Christmas lights switched on across Littlehampton

The festive countdown is underway in Littlehampton after Christmas lights were switched on around the town.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Dec 2015, 09:30 BST

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Makayla and Pheobe-Leigh Goncalves at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526480Makayla and Pheobe-Leigh Goncalves at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526480
Makayla and Pheobe-Leigh Goncalves at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526480

Hundreds braved the rain to see the lights illuminate the town centre on Friday, while the Wickbourne Centre in Clun Road was transformed into a winter wonderland for its annual Christmas event.

The Wickbourne Centre event is a partnership between Littlehampton Children’s and Family Centre and Arun Community Church.

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Business manager at the church, Jon Jolly, said: “We had well over 300 people through the doors during the event, and about 120 families had booked in advance.

Lights switch on event at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526502Lights switch on event at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526502
Lights switch on event at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526502

“Booked families got to see Santa, have a professional family portrait taken and printed, and got a small gift for the children.

“For everyone else there was also a carousel ride in the car park, a variety of craft stalls, plus a cake stall, art activities for kids, teddy tombola and raffle.

“The PlayCentre Nursery children performed a song on stage, and White Meadows School Choir performed a number of songs too.

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“Arun Community Church choir also did a couple of performances during the afternoon.

Ali Faulkner and Lorna Bowyer PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526473Ali Faulkner and Lorna Bowyer PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526473
Ali Faulkner and Lorna Bowyer PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526473

“At 4pm we switched on the centre Christmas lights and in total we raised £450 for Equine Partners Ltd who will use the money towards providing equine therapy for families across the area.”

Events and publicity assistant at Littlehampton Town Council, Kieran Gibbins, said hundreds of people turned out to see the Mayor, carnival royalty and Cinderella light up Littlehampton at the Christmas lights switch on.

“The crowds were entertained by fire performers and two choirs - The Ladies that Boogie from West Chiltington and the Littlehampton based Edwin James Festival Choir,” said Kieran.

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“Stalls lined the High Street selling unique handmade gifts, festive treats and mulled wine with many of the shops staying open until 8pm to allow people to do their Christmas shopping.

The Ollerenshaw and Stoddart family at the lights switch on event at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526464The Ollerenshaw and Stoddart family at the lights switch on event at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526464
The Ollerenshaw and Stoddart family at the lights switch on event at The Wickbourne Centre PICTURE BY STEVE ROBARDS SR1526464

“Children were kept entertained by Silly Scott who was balloon modelling, card making in Crafters Corner and a ride operated by Coles Funfairs.”

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Children having fun at the Littlehampton Christmas lights switch-on event CONTRIBUTED PICTURE SUS-150112-093912001Children having fun at the Littlehampton Christmas lights switch-on event CONTRIBUTED PICTURE SUS-150112-093912001
Children having fun at the Littlehampton Christmas lights switch-on event CONTRIBUTED PICTURE SUS-150112-093912001

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