FORDINGBRIDGE is gearing up for Christmas with a packed programme of events planned.
Fordingbridge Town Council is holding its Christmas lights switch on this Saturday (November 27) at 6pm in Market Place.
Father Christmas will travel in his sleigh along the High Street, before arriving at the Market Place.
Traditional carols will be sung and local heroes will switch on the town’s Christmas lights.
Town trail
A town trail will also start on Saturday.
Shops and businesses in town will have a Christmas poster in their windows showing a letter, which make a seasonal sentence.
The town trail map is available from Fordingbridge Information Office or at fordingbridge.gov.uk.
Once completed hand in your entry to the Information Office or the library to receive a Christmas treat.
The last date for entries is Friday December 24.
Road closures
The following road closures will be in place from 5.30pm to 7pm for switch on event.
- Provost Street from junction with West Street/Church Street to junction with High Street
- Shaftesbury Street from junction with Barton Road to Junction with High Street
- High Street from Shaftesbury Street/Provost Street junction to Bridge Street roundabout
- Roundhill from The Hundred (just past the car park) to the High Street
Roundhill will remain open from Salisbury Street to the car park. Access to the car park will be unaffected by the road closure.
Afternoon tea
A Christmas afternoon tea is being held for older residents in the town hall on Friday December 3.
Those wishing to attend call the Information Office on 01425 654560.
Christmas Glow
Fordingbridge Events Group is continuing the festivities with its Christmas Glow event on December 11 in the car park near Roundhill, 2.30pm to 7pm.
The family event will kick-off with Santa being delivered by heavy horse to his grotto in the car park.
From here, Santa will be making appearances to talk to the crowd at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm.
Between his appearances, there will be Christmas music, choirs and live music.
There will also be some steam engines in the car park plus stalls serving food, drink and crafts and gifts as well as a range of stalls and family activities.
The Salvation Army will be doing a live nativity event.
Other events include a craft fayre at the United Reformer Church, children's activities in the Created by You courtyard and a Star Wars-themed event at the Town Hall by All The Cool Stuff.
There will also be a drop off point for parcels for the Women’s Refuge Centre outside I N Newman.
Nicky Jenkins, the chair of Fordingbridge Events Group, said: “We are looking forward to putting on the event, which will be our first in two years.
Volunteers needed
Nicky added: "If anyone wants to get involved with the event or our group, please email fordingbridgeevents@gmail.com.
"Everyone is welcome as we have a variety of jobs that need doing but if you’re prepared to roll your sleeves up with all kinds of practical jobs, we really want to hear from you – for this event and several that we are planning for 2022.”
Free parking
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