Great turn out expected for Bexhill Christmas extravaganza

Organisers are hoping for another packed Bexhill town centre for the Christmas lights switch-on and party tonight (Friday, December 2).
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Dec 2016, 06:27 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2016, 12:41 BST

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Bexhill's Christmas extravaganza 2015. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105030001Bexhill's Christmas extravaganza 2015. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105030001
Bexhill's Christmas extravaganza 2015. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105030001

A variety of dancers, musicians and entertainers will be keeping the crowds warm for the festive extravaganza on Devonshire Road from 4-8pm.

The decorations on the Christmas tree in Devonshire Square will be turned on by a host of special guests at 6pm.

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Shops across the town centre will be open late and many have their own attractions including Santa’s grottos and entertainment to spread the festive cheer.

The Christmas tree from the festive lights switch-on last year. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105007001The Christmas tree from the festive lights switch-on last year. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105007001
The Christmas tree from the festive lights switch-on last year. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105007001

Andrew Crotty, one of Shining Lights’ volunteers who organise the event, said he was very excited the big day was here and hoped all their hard work would pay off.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic and excited that it’s finally come around as we have been planning this for so long,” he said.

“On the night you can’t tell how well it will go, it’s like a blur at times as we are busy making sure it’s going to plan so you don’t have time to enjoy it.

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“It’s going to be a great Christmassy atmosphere. I sat in Devonshire Square watching the contractors put the lights on the lampposts and just seeing the kids’ faces when they saw them was so special.

The Christmas tree from the festive lights switch-on last year. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105007001The Christmas tree from the festive lights switch-on last year. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105007001
The Christmas tree from the festive lights switch-on last year. Photo by Frank Copper SUS-150512-105007001

“That’s what Christmas is all about.”

Singer Hannah Martin kicks off the night at 4pm with a range of Christmas songs to sing along to, before St Mary’s Special School and College students perform.

Other entertainers include freestyle dancer Jules Phillips, a theatre performance and dancers from the East Sussex School of Performing Arts all before the switch on at 6pm.

More dancers and a sneak peek at Bexhill College’s pantomime Cinderella follow as well as Drum Skullz on stage.

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At 7.25pm, prizes will be handed out for the best dressed children with tickets for Peter Pan at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings up for grabs.

Santa Claus will be in Devonshire Road arriving in his hot rod, courtesy of Bexhill 100 motor club, and collection buckets will also be around for people to donate to next year’s event.

For more information, visit www.shininglightsbexhill.com/events.

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