Lee-on-the-Solent to welcome Victorian Christmas
By Connor Steel / Imagery by Christmas in Lee
LEE-ON-THE-SOLENT will be entering the Christmas spirit in late November after the confirmation of a two-day weekend event to start the build up to December 25.
Event organisers are hoping to build upon the success of the Victory Festival two weeks ago that drew hundreds of visitors to the village to mark the decisive Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan 75th anniversaries from 2020.
Organisation of this event is said to be in the early stages, but a dedicated social media page and graphics have been completed to advertise the dates; which have been confirmed as November 26 (Friday) and November 27 (Saturday) to mark four weeks until Christmas. The event will be open to people of all ages, but it is still not known whether tickets are needed with huge crowds expected.
A theme of ‘Victorian Christmas’ has been confirmed for this event, which organisers say reflect the High Street and Pier Street with many properties reflecting this era. Christmas trees will be lined up throughout the village, while visitors are encouraged to dress up in clothing of this era and bring well lit lanterns in order to create further atmosphere.
It is believed the event will open on Friday evening (26/11) with the official Christmas lights switch-on, which was fairly subdued last year as lockdown restrictions took effect. After the countdown a carol service and music will take place around the main Christmas tree, with local groups invited to participate in this traditional event from across both boroughs.
Saturday (27/11) will see a Victorian themed day of events in the high street with stalls, attraction and music all accompanying a winter feeling. This will also feature a French market, lanterns, and a visit from Father Christmas in a special treat for younger audiences. Santa and his elves will be found in the specially made grotto that could include his sleigh and reindeers.
It has also been confirmed that Believe A Bubble is due to return to his entertaining best on Saturday, November 27 following his successful and popular display at the ‘Summer in Lee’ events held in August. This is believed to begin at 10am and expected to last all day, with regularly timed bubble shows for everybody to enjoy.
Further updates are expected in the coming days and weeks, with this week’s information simply acting as a ‘save the date’ and to raise awareness of the event. So far nearly 500 people have registered their interest in attending the weekend through social media, which will be the place to keep up for announcements with the majority of details still being finalised.
Readers can explore the event page on Facebook available here.
