Residents invited to huge Fareham Christmas event

By Connor Steel

FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL have urged local residents to enjoy some early festive cheer late next month as they announced further information about the upcoming ‘Christmas Lights Switch On’ event; this year’s edition set to include brand new lights and officially begin a succession of activities in the Town Centre to celebrate an important anniversary.

The family friendly occasion will take place across the pedestrianised areas of West Street on November 18 (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’.

Father Christmas will furthermore be attending and is due to be part of the main attraction from 5.30pm; which will see Mayor of Fareham Cllr Fred Birkett and Mayoress Lisa Birkett switch on the lights. They will be helped by the council’s summer colouring competition winner, who will be chosen in due course as this contest closed for all entries last week.

It has been confirmed that the council have signed a new ‘five year’ contract with “The Festive Lighting Company”; who will be providing a fresh display that will be seen for the first time in 2023. This lighting will be more energy efficient and will be warmly lit across more areas in the Town Centre whilst their previous LED versions will be fully recycled by staff.

The special occasion is further scheduled to start a twelve month calendar of events in Fareham as it marks ‘fifty years’ since becoming an official borough in 1974, which will be reflected in a gold theme to the day’s events. But these exact details are being kept as a surprise for visitors who have been encouraged to stay after the Christmas lights are fully lit.

Residents have been asked to use public transport where possible due to the expected large crowds with more options available for all.  Full quotes from Councillor Sue Walker can be read here, whilst more details are available on the link.

PICTURED BY CONNOR STEEL: Christmas Tree shines bright near to Westbury Manor Museum after previous event.