Littlehampton is set to host a ‘cracker’ of a festive events programme this year!

Designed to be fun for all and easy on the pocket, kicking things off in seasonal style will be the annual Lights Switch On, this year taking place on Saturday 19 November in the High Street. Organised by the Town Council and the Traders Partnership, it will have an earlier start than in previous years, with the countdown beginning at 3pm.

Father Christmas will be popping in, as will much-loved characters from Frozen. Entertainment includes local artists Electric Feel and Jamie B, with breath-taking magic from the brilliant Nick Clark. Arundel and District Scout Band will keep the music going, while stalls include wonderful (and affordable) crafted items from LOCA and Crafters Corner. Plus a live Nativity from Churches’ Together and an auction from the Town Show Committee.

Topped off with themed rides and delicious food offerings, stand by for all the festive feels!

The Switch On will also mark the launch of a special festive trail inspired by The Twelve Days of Christmas. Encouraging Littlehampton children to discover the festive decorations hidden in Town Centre shop windows, entries must be submitted by Saturday 17 December. There are eleven runner-up prizes, plus a first prize of a Nintendo Switch!

Managed by Artswork, in partnership with the Town Council and the District Council, and designed by local artists and schoolchildren, the festive trail will also see special decorations hanging in the Town’s Christmas tree.

Showcasing the improved public realm space in the High Street and continuing with the popular programme of Love Local Arts, two family fun days will offer visitors plenty of reasons to stay local and support local. Promising exciting themed entertainment including rides, inflatables, stalls and live performances, Saturday 26 November and Saturday 10 December are definite dates for your diary, as are the Artisan Markets celebrating Small Business Saturday (complete with free parking in Town Centre car parks).

Wick also offers plenty of free festive-themed entertainment. Organised by the Wick Action Group, expect lots of family fun at the Christmas Tree switch on event on Saturday 3 December, while at Wick Hall there will be a Christingle Service, a musical telling the story of Christmas ‘Three Camels’ on and a carol concert from the Littlehampton Concert Band. A Crib Service will take place at All Saints Church on Christmas Eve.

Chair of the Community Resources Committee, Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper said: “I am so excited for the start of Christmas in Littlehampton and thrilled to see so many community events on the programme. It is not going to be an easy winter with the rising cost of living, which is an even bigger reason for people to come together and enjoy the free or low-cost activities available in the Town and support local businesses and organisations in doing so. Don’t forget parking is free on Saturday 3 and 17 December and on the other days you can enjoy free parking for 2 hours using a disk.”

Make sure you pick up a Christmas What’s On Guide (out on 31 October) from local shops for the full programme of Christmas Events or alternatively download it.