Crowds gather for Christmas light switch on in Emsworth

Large crowds were entertained by school choirs, market stalls and a Santa’s grotto.

Diana Patrick, Havant Borough cllr, said: “Emsworth was very well attended as it usually is. We had children from three schools singing - they had a bit of a problem with the sound, so they had to sing a-cappella - they were great. It was interesting to see how they immediately rushed to Father Christmas, wanting cuddles. It was very sweet to see.”

Giles Babb, owner of the Blue Bell Inn in South Street, Emsworth, said cllr Lulu Bowerman and fellow volunteers had done a ‘fantastic’ job setting up the town’s annual ‘lobster pot Christmas tree’, which attracted people from near and far.

He said: “It’s Emsworth at its best. It definitely makes a real difference in terms of trade. It is one of the best days of the year for trade.”

Emsworth will host a Christmas farmers market on Saturday, December 17, with carols on the Quay in the afternoon.

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