Christmas events across Chichester, Selsey, Midhurst and Petworth

Towns and villages across the Chichester district are getting into the Christmas spirit.
Chichester counts down to Christmas Picture by Allan HutchingsChichester counts down to Christmas Picture by Allan Hutchings
Chichester counts down to Christmas Picture by Allan Hutchings

As part of Chichester District Council’s Countdown to Christmas campaign, here is a round-up of all the light switch-on and Christmas launch events in the district.

Chichester

The festive season in Chichester will officially kick off today (November 26) for its light switch-on, at 6pm.

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There will be entertainment including buskers and choir performances at the Christmas tree, situated at The Cross.

The day has been organised by the Chichester Business Improvement District (BID) and will include activities along East Street and North Street.

The day will culminate in the switch-on at 6.30pm with a fireworks display afterwards.

Many of the shops will be open late offering treats and discounts.

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Further late night shopping will take place in the lead up to Christmas on December 3, 10 and 17.

On Saturday, November 28, a ‘special surprise’ awaits shoppers in North Street during Christmas Saturday which will be a day of entertainment for people of all ages.

Chichester BID has also organised its annual Christmas Market which will run from Saturday, December 5 – Sunday 13 in East Street and North Street.

More than 50 stalls will have a variety of locally made Christmas gifts and produce.

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Children will be able to see the beautiful animals at the live nativity which will be situated outside Marks & Spencer in East Street.

The market will be open 9am-5pm daily.

Father Christmas will be at The Novium Museum in Tower Street 10am – 4pm on Saturday, December 5, 12 and 19.

Tickets are £5 per child, including a gift. For more information see www.thenovium.org

Selsey

The East Beach shops illuminations will be switched on at 6.30pm during the evening of Friday, November 27.

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During the day people will be able to enjoy a market; funfair rides; Santa’s Grotto; and carol singing plus face painting and a raffle.

On Saturday, November 28, the lights in High Street will go on at 6pm.

The event has been organised by the Selsey Business Partnership and will include an all-day market in Old Cinema, street entertainers, Santa’s Christmas trail and Grotto, a performance by The Seal Choir, a procession, lantern parade, and late night shopping.

Roads will be closed from 4pm.

For further information please contact Selsey Town Council on 01243 605803, or email [email protected]

Midhurst

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Midhurst Town Council and Midhurst Business Association have been working hard to organise the town’s Christmas activities.

On Friday, November 27, Midhurst Reward Card shops will be holding their own version of ‘Black Friday’ called ‘Black Tie Day’. While the rest of the shopping world will be fighting for bargains, Midhurst businesses will be offering a more pleasant shopping experience.

Staff will be dressing up in black tie or tiaras and focusing on the special service that independent shops can offer.

Customers will have the chance to win gift vouchers to spend in participating businesses.

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Application forms will be available in all businesses taking part and so look out for the posters in shop windows.

First prize £100, second prize £50 and third prize £25.

The Midhurst Reward Card Christmas Draw will also be launched on Friday, November 27.

Reward card holders will automatically be entered whenever they use their card until the end of December and could win a day for two at Park House Spa.

People who don’t have a reward card can sign up for free at any business which is part of the scheme.

The winner will be announced week commencing January 4.

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The Grange Community and Leisure Centre will also be holding its annual Christmas Fair on December 5, 10am to 3pm.

Little ones will also be able to visit Father Christmas between 11am and 1pm.

Midhurst Mayhem will be performing 11.30am and 12.30pm in the café area and community organisation Rother Valley Together will be running its popular Golden Christmas Raffle.

People will be able to browse more than 70 stalls selling new and handmade gifts and crafts.

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The café will be serving mince pies and the Laugh Out Loud ballet group will also be performing.

A Christmas weekend of events kicks off with Midhurst Town Council’s annual Christmas Street Party on Friday, December 11.

It runs 6pm – 9pm on Church Hill, Market Square and West Street.

Roads will be closed from 3.30pm.

The party will include free attractions and entertainment including roundabout rides and carol singing.

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Father Christmas will be in his grotto in Martyn Chevis hairdressers in West Street and there will also be late night shopping. Contact Midhurst Town Council on 01730 816953 or visit www.midhurst-tc.gov.uk for more information.

The Festive Reindeer Day will return on Saturday, December 12 in Market Square.

For details contact [email protected]

Petworth

On Saturday, December 5 the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on.

During the day there will be a Christmas market, starting at 11am, selling local produce and crafts.

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There will also be entertainment and music in Golden Square.

The light switch-on will begin at 6.30pm.

Shops will be open late and a window display competition will be held, with the winner announced in the evening. Christmas Carols will be performed by Petworth Town Band, St Mary’s Church Choir and other choirs throughout the day.

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