Village to pay tribute to Westfield Christmas Lights co-founder Ken Munday BEM after death aged 96
The family of a community stalwart, who was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the village of Westfield, outside Hastings is inviting everyone to celebrate his life following his death at the age of 96.
Ken Munday was one of the people who started the annual Westfield Christmas Lights event, which has raised much-needed money for charities over the years since its inception more than 50 years ago.
He passed away on October 5.
A statement on the Westfield Christmas Lights 2026 Facebook page, posted on Thursday (October 15), said Ken's life will be celebrated with a service on November 2.
The statement said: “The Munday family would like to warmly invite family, friends and everyone who knew Ken to join us as we say our final goodbyes and celebrate the life of a very special man.
“Ken touched the lives of so many people throughout his life, and it would mean a great deal to our family to see everyone come together to remember him, share memories and celebrate the life he lived.
“A procession will leave from Churchfields and make its way to Westfield Church, where Ken’s funeral service will take place at 12.30pm.
“For those who are unable to attend the church service, or who would prefer to join us later in the day, a further service will be held at Hastings Crematorium at 2.15pm.
“Following the services, we warmly invite everyone to join the family at The New Inn in Westfield to share memories, tell stories, enjoy one another’s company and raise a glass to Ken.
“The family kindly requests family flowers only.
“For anyone who would like to make a donation in Ken’s memory, we would be extremely grateful. Please click on the donation link at https://kenneth-munday.muchloved.com.
“We wish to thank Del Soan and staff at Willows Funeral Service, St Leonards for all their help and support in arranging this funeral with us. Thank you to everyone for your kindness, support and the many wonderful memories you have shared with Ken and our family. With love from all the Munday family.”
The family said Ken and his wife Brenda, together with their neighbours Wilf and Jean, put Christmas lights in their windows in December 1975, which led to the annual village event still celebrated today.
The Westfield Christmas Lights event has raised more than £130,000 for charities over the years.
Ken was awarded the BEM in the King's Birthday Honours in 2023 for his services to Westfield and to charity.