Burgess Hill Christmas Festival brings four days of festive fun to the town centre

Church Walk and locations around the town centre will host Christmas chalets selling gifts, handmade items and seasonal food and drink, alongside live music, performances, festive entertainers and free family activities.

The festival will open at 11am on November 26, with the Christmas Lights Switch On taking place at 5pm on Church Walk. Santa and the Town Mayor, Stuart Condie, will be there for the occasion, alongside Friday’s headline act, Tobias.

The evening will also feature late-night shopping at Market Place Shopping, a live broadcast by Mid Sussex Radio from Church Walk to the shopping centre, a visit from the LED Fairy, children’s crafts, Christmas story time and free rides on a traditional teacups ride for children over two.

There will be plenty to enjoy throughout the rest of the festival, too. Friday’s entertainment includes live music from headline act, Small Talk, performances from local schools and groups, a fire dancer and appearances from Princesses Belle and Snow White.

Saturday will see the opening of the free synthetic ice rink and snow globe on Church Walk, alongside face painting, a balloon artist and walkabout entertainers.

Visitors can also browse the Burgess Hill Creative Community Crafters Market, the Community Market at Market Place shopping and the Burgess Hill Artists Fair at St John’s Church.

Quantum Theatre will present The Nutcracker and the Mouse King at Cyprus Hall, with performances at 12.15pm and 2.15pm (tickets must be booked in advance).

The day’s entertainment will conclude with headline act In Yer Face performing on the main stage from 5.30pm to 8pm.

Sunday will bring more music, family entertainment and opportunities to shop local, including performances from Tomfoolery, Vocal Dimensions and more. The Burgess Hill Theatre Club will be hosting their Christmas Craft Fair and Advent Carols at St John’s Church at 4pm.

There is plenty for families to enjoy for free, including Santa’s Grotto, with every child receiving a gift, and the synthetic ice rink, snow globe, face painting and balloon artist offer more ways to get into the festive spirit.

Children’s craft sessions, drama workshops and adult craft activities will also take place across the festival, with some activities requiring advance booking or a small fee.

Stuart Condie said: “The Christmas Festival is a great opportunity to bring people together and enjoy everything Burgess Hill has to offer. With four days of entertainment, markets and activities for all ages, there’s plenty to look forward to. I hope residents will come along, support our local businesses and enjoy the festive celebrations.”

Visitors are encouraged to pick up a festival programme from the Help Point and other key locations around Burgess Hill, or visit the Town Council’s website for the full entertainment schedule, activity details and booking information.

Free parking will be available from 11am each day at Cyprus Road car park (RH15 8DX) and Station Road car park (RH15 9AR), our thanks to Mid Sussex District Council.

The festival is being supported by a number of sponsors and local partners, whose contributions help make the free activities and entertainment possible.

A big thank you to Atlas Cop Co-Edwards, Bennet Oakley, BH Family Friendly Funeral, Burgess Hill Girls, CB Events, Falcon Health, Burgess Hill Town FC and North Garden Brewery, GoodOaks, Keymer Hall, Lemonade Print Group, Burgess Hill District Lions, Mid Sussex District Council, South East Water and Specsavers.

Chalet opening hours are Thursday and Friday, 11am to 7pm; Saturday, 10am to 8pm; and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

For more information, visit www.burgesshill.gov.uk, follow on social media, call 01444 247726 or email: [email protected]