Ringwood Town Centre will be all aglow again this year as the town council puts on its second Christmas Switch On event and promises even more lights than last year. With an additional £4000 obtained in grants from Hampshire County Council and the lottery there will also be lots for the kids to do and entertainment for the whole family all around the town centre. Organiser Mandy Oldfield said, “There has been wonderful support again this year from local businesses which is helping grow the event and I am sure the kids will love the giant snow machines and a special visitor we have in mind on the day.”
The town council replaced all the Christmas lights last year thanks to grants from the National Lottery and sponsorship from local business and they are seeking to expand the lit area onto Southampton Road and along the Market Place this year.
There will be a lantern parade just prior to the switch on with parents and schools being urged to get involved in the event but adults are welcome too. In the coming weeks Roger the Ringwood Reindeer will be making an appearance at local schools to remind everyone just how close the event is. Mayor of Ringwood Councillor Michael Thierry said, “We have a beautiful town and a wonderful community, I hope business and community will come together at this special time of year to provide us with a very special start to Christmas.”
A small Christmas village will form part of this year’s attraction along with mulled wine on the High Street, crowds of naughty elves and a Christmas nativity. If you want to get involved or you are a business that would like to sponsor some activities then contact the town council.
For more information on projects in Ringwood, look at the council’s website www.ringwood.gov.uk or ring 01425 473883
