CHRISTCHURCH’S popular Christmas Festival returns for another bumper day of festive cheer this weekend.
The event, eagerly anticipated in the town, is the perfect way for families to get ready to celebrate the big day.
The Daily Echo has provided a breakdown of what to expect from the volunteer-run and led event:
When is it?
The community event will be held on Saturday November 23, with the Christmas Market running from 10am to 8pm.
What’s happening?
The day will include a fun fair, dance performances and live music. There will be real reindeer in the Saxon Square from 3pm to 6.30pm
The Christmas Market will be brimming with a host of different delicious street food and drinks will be flowing at the Alpine Bar.
There will also be a variety of different festive amusement stalls and places to buy presents for the family.
When will Santa arrive?
Santa will be making his grand entrance and will be led down the high street during the Christmas parade from 5pm from the Priory Church.
What time will the lights go on?
The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm by former television presenter and broadcaster Fred Dinenage and the Mayor of Christchurch Lesley Dedman after the parade.
Will there be live music?
Yes, and lots of it. The Mellor Sisters, as seen on Good Morning Britain and RAF Sweethearts since 2015, will be bringing you a little vintage festive sparkle this year.
The Sisters, who sing with Bing Crosby’s grandson, will be performing a few songs from their ‘White Christmas’ show. They will also be performing at The Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth in December.
20 to 1, a Big Band based in Wimborne, will be helping people get in the Christmas mood with a performance in Saxon Square between 2pm and 4pm.
The Funky Little Choir Co will be singing some carols from the balcony prior to the lights switch on.
Unique Christmas gifts will be available at a festive Artisan fayre to be held in Druitt Hall during the festival. The event will run in Druitt Hall, next to the library in the High Street, from 10am until 5pm and stalls will include wreaths, decorations, craft gifts and refreshments.
It will provide the perfect spot for refreshment and a rest.
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