Hailsham’s Christmas lights switch-on event fast approaching

Hailsham's festive season will officially get underway on Friday 27 November, as the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On brings an afternoon of entertainment and seasonal shopping to Vicarage Field and the High Street.

Organised by Hailsham Town Council in partnership with local community organisations, the event will run from 1pm to 7pm, culminating in the switching on of the Christmas lights at 6pm.

This year's celebrations will feature live music, school carol performances, festive food and drink and a fully booked Christmas market, showcasing independent traders and local businesses.

Confirmed stallholders include:

• Kie's Tasty Temptations (homemade cakes)

• Misty Acres (fresh flowers)

• One of a Kind (accessories and children's clothing)

• Ace Knits & Bits (knitting supplies)

• The Rum Infusionist (unique rum products)

• Sweet Kettle Bakes (baked goods)

• Tropic Ambassador (skincare and make-up products)

• Sprout & Stone Crystals (crystals and wellbeing products)

• Unique Crochet (crocheted craft items)

• Love 1918 (hand poured wax melts)

• Debbie's Crafty Creations (craft products)

• Maison de Valerie (home décor and accessories)

• LAW Designs (handcrafted jewellery)

• Personal & Sassy (home décor products)

• Caromacare (vegan skin remedies)

• Crafty Cards (craft products)

• Polly's Patchworks (quilts and craft products)

• Dreamweaver Kids (children's clothing)

• Everything Spice Bakery (baked goods)

• Gill Heasman (painted gifts)

• Vernon Print (children's Christmas games)

Visitors can also enjoy a tempting selection of refreshments, including pizza, candy floss, hog roast, coffee, crepes, bratwurst, jacket potatoes, chips, burgers, mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Entertainment will include performances by The Sussex Stompers and Con Brio, alongside Christmas carols from pupils at Hailsham Academy and Hailsham Academy Primary, as well as a performance by Hailsham Choral Society. Hailsham FM will broadcast live from the town centre, while Hailsham Rotary Club will help bring festive magic to the occasion with a special appearance by Father Christmas.

Adding a distinctive twist to this year's celebrations, actor Jonathan Linsley, known for playing Ogilvey in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, will switch on the Christmas lights at 6pm in his Pirates of the Caribbean costume. Afterwards, visitors are invited to Hailsham Parish Church for complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: "The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a major event in Hailsham's calendar, and a great deal of work goes into making sure everything is ready for the day. We're looking forward to welcoming families and visitors into the town centre to enjoy the entertainment, browse the market and celebrate together."

Corporate Services Manager Karen Giddings added: "The Christmas Lights Switch-On is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate everything that makes Hailsham such a special place. With a fully booked Christmas market, a fantastic programme of entertainment and activities for all ages, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors into the town centre to share in the festive atmosphere and support our local traders and community groups."

Councillor Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, added: "The event captures the community spirit that makes Hailsham special. It's a chance to enjoy the start of Christmas, support independent traders and local organisations, and share a memorable afternoon with friends and family. We hope people will come along and join in the celebrations."

To facilitate the event, Hailsham High Street will be closed to traffic from approximately 11am until 9pm.

For further information, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702.