Old Town lights-up for Christmas

Town Mayor Cllr Eric Armstrong, accompanied by his wife and Mayoress Jeanette, put the civic seal of approval on Old Town Preservation Society's annual contribution to Christmas.

As decorative lights in Manor Gardens, High Street and Church Street, erected for the society by Mark Cornford, twinkled into life, the paved area on the junction of the two streets was overflowing with people.

Thanking them for turning out on a windy night which threatened drizzle, the Mayor said: "I don't think it is the start of Christmas in Old Town until the lights go on."

Carnival Princess Charmaine Carrick and her brother Kelvin, voted Old Town's boy chimney sweep at the preservation society's May Day Festival, were on hand to greet the civic pair.

Dancers aged from seven to 11 from King Offa School were dressed in Father Christmas costumes for a display which began with a tribute to the civic leader - Mayor's Delight - and included a dance to the music of The Sussex Carol.

Inviting the public to come and enjoy the Old Town Spectacular, which will be held in Manor Gardens, the Mayor listed some of the attractions.

Father Christmas will arrive in procession down Church Street at 10.30 on Saturday, December 9, his sleigh pulled by real reindeer.

A Medieval theme will run through the weekend with society members in costume and Andy Dinsdale as the Court Jester.

A Medieval Fair in Manor Gardens will form part of a festival which will include a fun skating rink, snow machine, and Santa's grotto where youngsters can meet the old fellow in Manor Gardens' Cloisters and pose for pictures with him and his reindeer on both days between 11am and 5pm.

Carols by candlelight featuring the choir of St Peter's Church and accompanied by Hooe Silver Band will again be a popular feature in the Rose Garden on the Saturday at 4pm.

Children from King Offa School will be performing their nativity play in the Rose Garden on the Sunday at 2.30pm.

Sure Start Sidley and Bexhill will be providing children's entertainment in Manor Barn on both days.

Half-hour sessions on the fun skating rink may be pre-booked at 6 for adults (4.50 for children under 12) on 01424 732642 between 10am and 4pm today, a saving on the 7 and 5 on-the-day prices.

Members of St Peter's Church will perform a Living Crib on Sunday, starting at 6pm in Manor Gardens and progressing to church for carols.

The Town Mayor holds his carol service at St Peter's on Wednesday, December 13 when the King Offa choir will give a debut performance in Bexhill of St Lucia - sung in Swedish.