Bexhill's late-night - a night to remember!

A lucky punter needed to throw six sixes at dice to have won the Honda Jazz offered by Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

But that didn't stop the late-night shopping crowds from chancing their arm against the statistical odds on a night when the town's traders were gambling on beating the Credit Crunch.

All thoughts of job losses, mortgage worries, falling investment rates and business closures were forgotten as shoppers responded to the initiative shown by traders.

Bexhill 100 Motoring Club members provided the hooting, light-bedecked cavalcade.

There was live music from the Robertson Academy Pipe Band and JTMZ of Hailsham '“ augmented by Bexhill singers.

From 4pm Bexhill Schools Consortium provided a succession of school choirs which, from a marquee in Devonshire Square bearing the slogan "Jesus is the reason 4 the season" launched the carol-singing.

Adult choirs from Churches Together In Bexhill took up the challenge. The public was encouraged to join in the Christmas message with the words of favourite carols displayed on a large screen.

Town Mayor Cllr Patrick Douart, assisted by his wife and Mayoress, Maureen, switched on the lights.

He told shoppers: "First a big thank you to the school and church choirs for delighting us with their Christmas carol-singing.

"Let's allow the Christmas spirit to work its special magic. Smile and open your hearts to this unique period of time and simply enjoy being around those you love.

"Let us enjoy the message of goodwill and peace for all men."

Peace there wasn't in bustling St Leonards Road, where the loudspeakers outside Headworks competed with Fifties rocker Tony Aldridge's selection '“ Bill Haley and the Comets seen live by Tony back in '56 '“ played on his vinyl collection outside Seymours.

Tony sported the full kit- drape jacket, jeans and "brothel-creeper" crepe shoes.

Charlie the Clown was to be seen entertaining everywhere.

At the Black Pearl, staffer Lee Uttley was tattooing Ryan Adams' left leg in a window demonstration.

At Muscat and McEwan the crimpers were dressed to kill and in The Courtyard Clint Ticehurst and Paula Dukelow were in fancy dress.

If Fancy Pants couldn't sport fancy dress who could? Tracy Dixon had entered into the spirit of the occasion, helped by daughters Leanne and Rachael.

Mulled wine at the Observer office is so much part of the late-night tradition that our "regulars" were tapping on the door while the wine was still warming.

Jack O'Doherty was offering Fairtrade coffee from outside of Barraclough and Stiles and shops in Sackville Road sported a spot-the-stranger window competition.

Mummery's were among many businesses offering free drinks and the Caring Community had a plethora of offers from a bran tub to coffee, bric-a-brac to tombola and raffle.

We found JMTZ entertaining outside of Nationwide were manager Tania Ringshall and her staff were in fancy dress.

Was that Santa whizzing past? The Lions Club had the fastest-moving sleigh in town, despite the heavy traffic.

It was one of those kind of nights...

A lucky punter needed to throw six sixes at dice to have won the Honda Jazz offered by Bexhill Chamber of Commerce and Tourism.

But that didn't stop the late-night shopping crowds from chancing their arm against the statistical odds on a night when the town's traders were gambling on beating the Credit Crunch.

All thoughts of job losses, mortgage worries, falling investment rates and business closures were forgotten as shoppers responded to the initiative shown by traders.

Bexhill 100 Motoring Club members provided the hooting, light-bedecked cavalcade.

There was live music from the Robertson Academy Pipe Band and JTMZ of Hailsham '“ augmented by Bexhill singers.

From 4pm Bexhill Schools Consortium provided a succession of school choirs which, from a marquee in Devonshire Square bearing the slogan "Jesus is the reason 4 the season" launched the carol-singing.

Adult choirs from Churches Together In Bexhill took up the challenge. The public was encouraged to join in the Christmas message with the words of favourite carols displayed on a large screen.

Town Mayor Cllr Patrick Douart, assisted by his wife and Mayoress, Maureen, switched on the lights.

He told shoppers: "First a big thank you to the school and church choirs for delighting us with their Christmas carol-singing.

"Let's allow the Christmas spirit to work its special magic. Smile and open your hearts to this unique period of time and simply enjoy being around those you love.

"Let us enjoy the message of goodwill and peace for all men."

Peace there wasn't in bustling St Leonards Road, where the loudspeakers outside Headworks competed with Fifties rocker Tony Aldridge's selection '“ Bill Haley and the Comets seen live by Tony back in '56 '“ played on his vinyl collection outside Seymours.

Tony sported the full kit- drape jacket, jeans and "brothel-creeper" crepe shoes.

Charlie the Clown was to be seen entertaining everywhere.

At the Black Pearl, staffer Lee Uttley was tattooing Ryan Adams' left leg in a window demonstration.

At Muscat and McEwan the crimpers were dressed to kill and in The Courtyard Clint Ticehurst and Paula Dukelow were in fancy dress.

If Fancy Pants couldn't sport fancy dress who could? Tracy Dixon had entered into the spirit of the occasion, helped by daughters Leanne and Rachael.

Mulled wine at the Observer office is so much part of the late-night tradition that our "regulars" were tapping on the door while the wine was still warming.

Jack O'Doherty was offering Fairtrade coffee from outside of Barraclough and Stiles and shops in Sackville Road sported a spot-the-stranger window competition.

Mummery's were among many businesses offering free drinks and the Caring Community had a plethora of offers from a bran tub to coffee, bric-a-brac to tombola and raffle.

We found JMTZ entertaining outside of Nationwide were manager Tania Ringshall and her staff were in fancy dress.

Was that Santa whizzing past? The Lions Club had the fastest-moving sleigh in town, despite the heavy traffic.

It was one of those kind of nights...