Christmas lights switch-on in Fordingbridge was 'great success'

On Friday, November 29, Father Christmas was paraded down the high street in a sleigh before being met on stage by Revd Luke Wickens for the big moment.

The crowd joined together for a countdown and at the push of a lever, the Christmas lights illuminated the town centre.

There was live music from local bands, Lucy Loves Liquor and Hyde band as well as classic carols from the Fordingbridge Choir.

Chairman and Town mayor of Fordingbridge Town Council, Councillor Peter White, said, "The event was very successful, and we had a great turnout.

"Shops looked very busy in the high street and it was definitely the busiest event we have had since COVID."

The event was all thanks to the Rotary Club and Fordingbridge Events Group who have decided that this year will be their last-ever event as the group will be disbanding.

A spokesperson for Fordingbridge Events Group said, "It has been a hard decision for the few remaining members of FEG to stop but the reduction in volunteers has made the arranging and organising of local events no longer possible by such a small number of people.

"All future community events in Fordingbridge will now become the responsibility of and be managed by the Fordingbridge Town Council moving forward."