Littlehampton High Street was turned into a winter wonderland on Friday 20th November when the Town’s festive illuminations were switched on and streamed to the Town Council Facebook page. Due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and following government advice on social distancing, we were unable to welcome residents into the High Street for an evening of entertainment.

The festivities started on the Town Council Facebook page at 5.30pm with a series of arts and crafts demonstrations, including a contribution from Steve Carrol in association with Littlehampton Organisation of Community Arts. At 6pm over 3,600 of you joined the Mayor of Littlehampton, Councillor David Chace online to countdown to the virtual lights switch on. The well received video was produced by Event Power Engineering and reached an impressive 8,806 people.

Immediately after the switch on, resident’s knowledge was tested by quizmaster Councillor Billy Blanchard-Cooper in a special Christmas quiz. The quiz was won by Clare Purdom who won a hamper full of sweet treats kindly donated by Morrisons.

Further entertainment included pre-recorded performances from Poi Passion, who delighted viewers with two fantastic LED light and fire shows. West Sussex Libraries ended the evening with a very special sensory story time for children.

Speaking about the event, Town Mayor, Councillor David Chace said: “This virtual event really brought some much-needed joy to Littlehampton residents during this uncertain period. Littlehampton Town Council would like to thank all the local organisations for their contributions to this years’ event and to everybody who watched at home. Don’t forget to take a selfie with your favourite elf in the High Street and share with us by tagging #LAelfie.”

There are still plenty of activities to keep you occupied over the festive period. Children are invited to find Santa and his lost reindeer hidden on shop windows, for a chance to win a sweet prize courtesy of Bah Humbug Sweets. Children are also encouraged to take part in Crafter Corners’ Christmas Card Competition and Pier Road Coffee and Arts’ Children’s Photography Competition which both run until Sunday 20th December. 12 prizes are also up for grabs in the Town Council’s Virtual Advent Calendar, which also includes 12 days of free Christmas activities to take part in. Full details of all the festive activities can be found here.