Christmas in Fordingbridge is looking to be a star attraction this year with an afternoon of activities for all the family and Harry Redknapp switching on the Christmas lights.
The event will take place from 4-8pm on Saturday 30th November and is being organised, run and funded by Fordingbridge Events Group on behalf of Fordingbridge Town Council.
Christmas in Fordingbridge will kick off with a procession of Trigger the Train and the elves on heavy horse delivering Santa from the post office to his grotto at Avonway Community Centre (free entry).
Later in the evening, the town’s Christmas lights will be switched on by Harry Redknapp, who will share some information on why Fordingbridge has a place in his heart. Activities in town throughout the evening include street performers, live music as well as steam rides across the bridge.
Nicky Jenkins, Chair of Fordingbridge Events Group, says: “We have used the proceeds from the Fordingbridge Festival to put on a Christmas community event to remember. The night looks like it will be a tremendous success and we are still planning extra activities. We are thrilled to bits that Harry Redknapp can take time out of his schedule to come and turn the lights on. It’s going to be amazing.”
Approximate times
4.15pm
The event will start with a procession of Trigger the Train followed by Santa on heavy horse to his grotto at Avonway Community Centre. The procession will start at Salisbury Street, travel along the High Street and down to Avonway Community Centre.
4.30-8pm
Santa’s grotto is open (free entry)
6pm
Announcement of local hero nominated by the people of the town
6.30pm- 7pm
Harry Redknapp switches on the Christmas lights
Local Hero competition
This year, Fordingbridge Events Group is again asking for nominations for your local hero. Nominations should be emailed to [email protected] or posted to Avonway marked Fordingbridge Events Group Local Hero.
The closing date for nominations is the 12th November.
Food & Drink
There will be lots of refreshments on offer around the town. Nicky says: “We are trying to encourage people coming to the town for Christmas in Fordingbridge to use our shops and cafes for food and drink during the evening. In addition to this, there will be refreshments spots around town. As last year, we are running a permit system. Please contact [email protected] to apply.”
What’s not for sale competition
This year sees a new Xmas window competition in town. Check out the shop windows and spot the object that’s not usually for sale.
Entry forms for the window competition will be available from 30th November from The Gourmet Grocer, The Fordingbridge Bookshop, Caxtons, Fordingbridge Tourist Info Office and Created by You. The competition will run until the end of December.
Additional parking
As well as the town car parks (which will be free after 6pm), there will be additional free parking at:
- Fordingbridge Rugby Club
- The Burgate School.
Provisional Activities
Avonway
Country Market, performances by students from Fordingbridge Dance Studios, Stepping Stones Teddy Tombola, Fordingbridge Toy Library, Face Painting, craft activities for children, Santa’s Grotto, Inner Wheel, mulled wine and mince pies with the Bar open
Avonway Annexe
Community and Charity Hub featuring stands from local organisations and charities
Bridge Street
Steam rides across the bridge, steam organ
Fordingbridge Museum
Lucky dip
Library
Evening wear clothes swap with Fordingbridge Greener Living
High Street
Elves’ workshop at Hearts at Homecare, street performers including a performance by dance group, Shake Dance
Roundhill
Live music, craft tables and craft activities for children, animals and refreshments
Salisbury Street stage
Live music
Town Hall
Star Wars event, Forres Sandle Manor choir, Hyde Band, live music
The Regal
Free film and refreshments
United Reformed Church
Craft market