Christmas comes to Battle with festive lights switch-on

On Saturday November 30 Santa Claus will make his ceremonial visit to the town.

At 1.50pm, his sleigh will make its way down the High Street, pulled by the Langton Loons, and accompanied by the Kingfisher Band, the 1st and 2nd Battle Rainbows, the Beavers and a variety of pantomime characters.

Between 2.15-4.45pm, Santa will meet children in his sparkling grotto in Battle Memorial Hall.

Tickets to see him and receive a present are £1.50 each and can only be bought at the door on the day.

Numbers are limited to 200, so come early to avoid disappointment.

While the children are waiting to meet Santa, they will be entertained by Mr Bumble and Crazy Bumble who will amuse them with balloon animals and face painting.

Refreshments will be served in the Shepherd Room by the ladies of the Saxonwood WI and there will be parking for buggies and pushchairs in the St Valery Room.

The popular Charity Market will be held upstairs in the Wynne Room.

Outside on the Abbey Green there will be candy floss, photo opportunities beside Santa’s sleigh, carol singing from local soprano, Lucy Ashton, and other attractions to make it a really memorable afternoon.

There will also be a shop window competition in the Battle Chamber of Commerce Christmas leaflet, which offers the chance of winning a family meal for four at Simply Italian.

At approximately 5pm, Santa Claus will leave the Memorial Hall and come onto the Abbey Green to switch on the Christmas lights.

The Christmas magic will continue on Thursday December 12 when Battle will hold its annual Gala Night, when the shops stay open until 9pm and there will be festive entertainment.