Streets sparkle in Bexhill's Christmas lights switch-on display

Scores of people took part in the fun, which was preceded by a lantern procession from St Barnabas Church in Sea Road, which had its own Advent lighting event, and carol-singing around the tree.

Bexhill 100 Motoring Club assembled a cavalcade of historical cars, suitably decorated for the occasion, for a parade through the streets and Bexhill Classic Cycle Group donned period dress to ride their seasonally-bedecked bicycles alongside them.

Ray Konyn, the group’s events organiser, said: “Well done to all those who took part, and it was good to see so many had illuminated their bicycles so imaginatively.”

Although this year Bexhill Chamber of Commerce had not organised a late-night shopping evening to coincide with the lights being switched on, many enterprising traders kept their shop doors open well into the evening to attract Christmas custom.