On Friday 21st November, Alton officially welcomed the festive season with a magical Christmas Lights Switch-On and Market. This year’s event was a resounding success, filled with festive cheer, community spirit and enchanting surprises for all ages.
For the second year, Alton hosted two Christmas Lights Switch-Ons; one at the Assembly Rooms and another in Market Square, ensuring even more of the community could join in the excitement. Both locations were buzzing with anticipation as the town’s festive lights illuminated.
The lights were officially switched on by Town Mayor, Cllr Annette Eyre, who was joined by two cheeky elves, portrayed by talented performers from the YEM Theatre School and the Store Manger of Rawlings Opticians Hearing and Care.
A big thank you also goes to Town Crier, Dave Parsons, who energised the crowd with his lively announcements and festive enthusiasm and finally to all the local businesses who supported the event with their contributions and participation, helping to ensure the success of this beloved community celebration.
Father Christmas, who was a star attraction of the evening, welcomed many children to his new home, a beautifully decorated grotto, where he listened to Christmas wishes and sprinkled his Christmas magic. Adding to the wonder were two stilt walkers dressed up as a Christmas Tree and an Angel. The event also saw an incredible lineup of local entertainment, showcasing the talent and creativity of the community which featured:
• Alton Rock Choir
• King’s Pond Shantymen
• Tilly Lukemen
• Forest Players
• The Butts Primary School
• YEM Theatre School
• Encore Choir
• Alton Morris
• Stagecoach Farnham
Alton Town Council are also deeply grateful to their sponsors who made this magical event possible:
Richard Rawling, Managing Director Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care,
Headline Sponsor for Christmas Lights Switch On and Market, said:
“We’re delighted to support such a special event that brings the Alton community together. The Christmas lights switch-on is always a highlight of the year, and as a local family business, we’re proud to help make it shine even brighter. Supporting our town and the people who make it such a vibrant place is at the heart of what we do at Rawlings Opticians & Hearing Care.”
Newbury Building Society, Headline Sponsor for Father Christmas, said:
“As Alton’s local building society, we care deeply about the community we’re a part of, which is why we’re excited to help spread Christmas cheer by sponsoring Father Christmas at the light-switch on! We have no doubt it will be a fantastic, festive event and look forward to welcoming lots of our customers (and hopefully some new ones!) to our stall at the event.”
Specsavers Alton said:
“Specsavers are delighted to support an event that brings so many people in our community together, this is always a magical moment in our community, and we’re proud to play a part in making it happen.”
Rod Gaskins Ltd said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting Alton Town Council’s festivities throughout the town and would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
HSDC Alton said:
“Once again, we’re proud to sponsor the Alton Christmas Lights switch-on. Supporting this fantastic community event for a further year reflects our commitment to celebrating the spirit that makes Alton such a special place. We’re delighted to play a role in a magical occasion that brings our local community together.”
PJ Grace and Sons said:
“PJ Grace & Sons are pleased to be able to sponsor the Christmas Tree again this year. We wish everyone a lovely Christmas and a very happy new year!”
Wildhouse Play Café
Headline Sponsor for Father Christmas’s Grotto
Special thanks also go to:
• Alex from ACS Christmas Trees, for providing the Christmas trees at the Assembly Rooms.
• Dementia Friendly Alton, for generously providing the use of the Assembly Rooms, a warm and welcoming space for part of the festivities.
• The Market Hotel, for their support of the Switch-On in Market Square.
• John Searle Fun Fair, for bringing joy and excitement with their funfair attractions.
• Over 60 stallholders, whose incredible selection of gifts, food, and crafts made the market a bustling hub of holiday shopping and cheer.
With the town now illuminated with festive lights, the Christmas season is officially underway.
