On Saturday, 19 November during the annual Christmas Lights Switch On and Late-Night Shopping event, Littlehampton High Street was transformed into a winter wonderland.

The event organised by Littlehampton Town Council and the Traders’ Partnership truly brought Christmas magic to the Town with hundreds of families enjoying the festivities.

Live entertainment included festive performances from singer Jamie B, band Electric Feel, White Meadows Primary Academy Choir, a magic show from local entertainer, Nick Clark, The Arundel and Littlehampton District Scout Band and the Churches’ Nativity courtesy of Littlehampton Baptist Church and All Saints Church, Wick. As well as an auction held by the Littlehampton Town Show Committee.

Extra magic was added with a visit from special guests, Elsa, Anna and Olaf. Children enjoyed having their pictures taken with their favourite characters before they took to the stage to switch on the Christmas Lights at 7pm with Town Mayor Councillor Jill Long and the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition, fiver year-old, Edith Lock-Brees.

In addition to the artisan stalls from LOCA, many stores stayed open late giving visitors a chance to buy Christmas gifts. Visitors were spoilt for choice with the various food stalls which included Mobile Event Catering’s German sausages, churros by Hey Amigo, burgers from Corn Store Café and KB Burgers and Bites, loaded fries and jacket potatoes from Potato Box and a variety of vegetarian and vegan delights from The Vegan Street Food Company.

Children enjoyed rides in Clifton Road and Duke Street courtesy of Coles as well as a free art workshop from Daina’s Art Studio. Littlehampton District Lions Club turned Link to Hope in Anchor Springs into a beautiful Grotto where Santa got to meet 155 children all of who received an early present.  

Speaking at the event, Town Mayor, Councillor Jill Long said: “Christmas is well and truly upon us now! It is heart-warming seeing how your support and enthusiasm has helped this event grow and make it so special for everyone year after year. I would also like to thank all the businesses and community groups for supporting the arrival of the festive period and joining in this special event, it is vital that we all shop locally this holiday season.”

The Mayor added: “What is really special about this year’s tree is that it is covered by decorations made by local children. Children at 9 local schools and in 3 public sessions have created their own special upcycled decorations themed on the carol The 12 Days of Christmas and larger versions of their art-works are hidden around the town to be found a part of our brilliant Christmas Trail. What we are doing here is showing Littlehampton as a town that places children’s imaginations as the centrepiece of our festive celebrations and our town as a unique place with creativity at its heart.”

A total of £120.50 was raised on the night through a collection made by Tyndall Jones on behalf of the Mayor for her charity The Arundel and Littlehampton District Scouts.

The 12 Days of Christmas Competition runs until the 18 December and there are 12 pries up for grabs donated by local businesses with the top prize being a Nintendo Switch. Entry forms are printed in this year What’s on Guide for Christmas and available from Manor House reception, High Street stores and online at www.littlehampton-tc.gov.uk/christmastrail