Christmas arrived in Littlehampton on Saturday 18 November as the Town Centre played host to the annual Christmas Lights Switch on. The event, organised by Littlehampton Town Council, saw hundreds of families come together to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun!

Live entertainment included a fun show from local children’s entertainer Nolan Davis and upbeat performances from Father Daughter DJ duo Pitch and Strut, The Broken Box Band, Soph and Simon and Sussex Steel. There was also a live Nativity from Churches’ Together.

Children received a magical visit from their favourite characters, Elsa, Anna and Olaf.

Mayor of Littlehampton, Councillor Freddie Tandy, alongside the winner of the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition, Flynn McConville took to the stage at 19:00 to switch on the dazzling lights as visitors watched the High Street fill with colour. Stealing the show was the giant lit up bauble which people walkthrough – it makes a great setting for a Christmassy picture.

In addition to the High Street shops that stayed open, there was a selection of artisan stalls with a display of handmade gifts perfect for Christmas! Visitors were spoilt for choice when it came to food, with German sausages from Mobile Event Catering, pizza from Arcade Lounge, exotic dishes for Sello Afri-Carribean Dish and flavoursome loaded fries from Summit Tasty.

Children also enjoyed funfair rides in Clifton Road and Duke Street courtesy of Coles Funfair, Littlehampton District Lions Club turned St Martins Lane into Santa’s Grotto as many Children received an early Christmas present.

Speaking about the event, Chair of the Community Resources committee, Councillor Sean Lee, said “Christmas is well and truly upon us now! It was amazing seeing the community come together to celebrate the start of the festive period. I would like to thank everyone for their support and joining us for this special event. I would also like to thank local businesses who were involved, it is vital that we all shop locally this festive season.”

The Mayor added “It is lovely to see so much positivity around the new lighting scheme. This year, we have the addition of the walkthrough bauble and a brand-new sustainable Christmas tree which is something Littlehampton has never seen before. It’s always good to have something different and so far, the Christmas decorations have had a lot of love! Make sure to tag Visit Littlehampton in any photos you take with the bauble!”

A bauble trail is now underway for children aged up to 16 years. To be in with a chance of winning an Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet. Littlehampton children must find fourteen hidden baubles and name the shop where they were spotted. Full details can be found on the Christmas What’s on Guide or on the Town Council’s website.

Don’t forget about the Love Local Prize Draw scheme! Shoppers in Littlehampton have the chance to win £500 in the run up to Christmas. A monthly prize draw will take place in November and December. To enter, shoppers can collect a sticker each time they spend over £5 in participating shops. Once they have completed their loyalty card, they must hand it in to Manor House to be entered into the prize draw. Shoppers may enter as many times as they like. Full details of the scheme can be found at www.visitlittlehampton.co.uk/SHOPPING/love-local-prize-draw/