Fordingbridge Events Group today announces that feedback from its Christmas in Fordingbridge event, held on the 30th of November, has been extremely positive. The whole town which was closed off to traffic had a number of activities taking place throughout the evening.
Nicky Jenkins, Chair of Fordingbridge Events Group, says: “We have been overwhelmed by the feedback, which has been immensely positive. It was great to see so many people out enjoying the evening and taking part. We had input from Fordingbridge Players, the Scouts, Rotary, local musicians, schools and businesses throughout the town – it really was a super evening and a great kickstart to the festive season.”
The evening was opened by Fordingbridge Infant and Junior Schools’ choir and then Reverend Canon Gary Philbrick announced Fordingbridge’s local heroes, Julie Grange and six-year old Georgia Turnbull who jointly switched on the lights. This was followed by a procession of Father Christmas in a sleigh pulled by heavy horse through the town to his new grotto in the Victoria Rooms, with one visitor remarking: “This isn’t a visit to Santa – this is a Christmas experience.”
Nicky continues: “We used the proceeds from the Fordingbridge Festival to put on a Christmas community event to remember but we couldn’t have done it without the help of our Christmas sponsors, Timothy’s, The Burgate School, PDQ Airspares, Cracknell Timber and Jacksons Solicitors; all of the Fordingbridge Festival 2018 sponsors and the support from the town!
“It was our first year running the event and we have a wash up meeting in January. We are asking for any comments – good or bad – to be emailed to [email protected]”
Window trail competition
The evening also kicked off the Christmas window trail in town, which is running for the next few weeks. Entry forms for the window competition are available from Adrian Dowding, The Gourmet Grocer and Pampered Dogs.
Christmas raffle
Fordingbridge Events Group is also running a Christmas raffle throughout November and December with a range of prizes from local businesses. Tickets will cost £1 for a strip of 5 and will be on sale from Jessica, The Fordingbridge Bookshop and The George. All proceeds from the raffle will be given to Fordingbridge Foodbank.
More details about the event can be found at www.fordingbridgechristmas.com