Christchurch is to have its first ever Yuletide festival this year, launching on Saturday 26 November.

Going back to the season’s more traditional roots, Christchurch will be welcoming the Holly King, the Ivy Queen, magical fairies, and singing townsfolk onto the High Street before they process through the town to turn on the Christmas Lights.

Presented by Christchurch BID, the Yuletide Parade and Christmas Light Switch-On will feature the internationally renowned, Christchurch-based, Gobbledegook Theatre Company who will bring the Holly King, Ivy Queen, and the Lord of Misrule, along with their entourage of over 20 performers, to life. The procession will include Mad4Dance, Highcliffe Charity Players, and Funky Little Choir all performing as they process through the town. The theatrical procession will then join with the Mayor of Christchurch to perform the ‘spell’ which turns on the Christmas lights.

Christchurch BID manager, Christina Pengelly, said: “The BID is thrilled to be funding festivities in Christchurch this year and working with Christchurch Chamber, Christchurch Town Council, Christchurch Rotary, BCP Council, and our wonderful sponsors to provide music, theatre, arts and crafts. We hope people and businesses enjoy the Yuletide procession alongside the light switch-on. Lots of shopping options from local businesses and artisans will give residents a varied choice of Christmas gifts.”

Event manager for Stir! Events, Mandy Polkey, said: “This year, Christchurch is doing things differently. We’re making a new story, a myth, a new folk ritual for the lighting up of the High Street for Christmas. The magical light switch on this Christmas features a mediaeval fairy court, dancers, singing townsfolk and a traditional Yule log carried by the Christchurch Saxon Rugby Team, as well as beautiful folk music by the band, Hummingbird.”

This year’s festivities will also include a Yuletide Market along one side of the High Street with a stage for music and entertainment near the Fountain roundabout, as well as workshops to make Yule headdresses, along with storytelling, and face painting. Tasty treats to eat and drink from local businesses will also be available.

The Yuletide Festival will be starting in Saxon Square on Saturday 26 November at 11am, and at 3pm crowds will be treated to a festive Carol Service outside the Christchurch Baptist Church at Bargates. At 5pm, the parade, starting from Church Lane, will then travel up the High Street, leading up to the Christmas Lights Switch On at 5.30pm followed by live music.

Mandy said: “We’re hoping the people of Christchurch will help us celebrate together by wearing greens and browns and hats and headdresses decorated with seasonal flowers and foliage. Whilst we’re taking inspiration from the past – and the beautiful natural environment around the town – we are also encouraging people to think about what they can do to be good ancestors and uphold the beautiful area that we are so lucky to live in year-round.”

Also new this year, and starting on Friday 25 November in Saxon Square, is a Christmas Market open all the way through December until Christmas Eve selling a range of art, craft, artisan food and drink gifts. The Hop On Inn (Bar Bus) will be delivering Christmas cheer with mulled wine, mulled cider, and naughty hot chocolates while the Cheeky Fox Churros will be offering delicious vegan churros. Rotary Christchurch will be presenting its Living Advent Calendar with performances dotted around Christchurch town.