Council invites local residents to festive occasion

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have urged local residents to sample some early ‘festive cheer’ in late November as they announced further information about the upcoming Christmas Lights Switch On event; which has been held in the town centre annually in recent years and has brought thousands of guests together in the area for these free festivities.

The family friendly occasion will take place across the pedestrianised areas of West Street on November 22 (Saturday) and is free for everyone to attend, starting at 10am and running until 7pm. Activities will be held across the day such as face painting, festive gift stalls, food / drink, and fun fair rides whilst performers are due to entertain on the ‘main stage’.

Young children can enjoy a number of special themed activities on the day including writing a personal letter for Father Christmas; who has been confirmed as a special visitor. There will further be a chance of making their own ‘Christingle’ and they would also enjoy being creative in a festive-themed Lego-building area; these activities being free throughout.

Countdowns to the ‘Christmas Lights’ will be held at 5:30pm under the town centre’s bandstand and will be attended by Mayor of Fareham Councillor, Louise Clubley. She is further scheduled to be joined by Jonathan Clubley in doing these honours alongside Father Christmas and some of the cast from Fareham Live’s new pantomime of Beauty & the Beast.

Similarly to previous occasions there will be a festive market organised by Funyard Events and this will feature multiple stalls, with people asked to visit www.funyardevents.com for information about how to sell products. Potential sponsors should view the link, and anybody who is interested in performing is required to contact leisure@fareham.gov.uk ASAP.

Residents have been asked to use local public transport where possible due to the expected huge crowds with several choices available such as bus / train services nearby, whilst limited parking areas would be located via the town centre.

PICTURED BY CONNOR STEEL: Christmas Lights are switched on across Fareham Town Centre at a previous event.