Around 200 presents have been wrapped for Santa’s Grotto, at this year’s Ringwood Switch On event this Saturday (6 December) and more than 60 stall holders are expected to fill the streets, along with fair rides and entertainers. There will be a lantern parade, guaranteed snow and a chance to meet Roger the reindeer.
The event has been arranged by the town council for local residents, but also to support local businesses. New Forest District Council will be suspending all parking charges in the town on the same day to encourage more shoppers.
Assistant Organiser Mandy Oldfield said “It’s been an exciting time for us and interest seems to be increasing, at the moment, to have a stall. I do hope people will make a big effort to come along.”
Organisers are keen to point out that road closures will be in place from Friday’s Cross to the Bridge on West Street and Meeting House Lane from the Car Wash and will be in force from 10am -7pm.
Ringwood will be decked with new lights which will be added to annually. More than 27 local businesses raised £8,000 to support the town council, in purchasing the lights, and a small plaque will be placed near each item purchased, to identify the sponsor.
Town Mayor Cllr Barbara Woodifield said, “I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of local business, in supporting this event and I am sure everyone will not only enjoy the day, but also reap the rewards of more people in the town and watch the event grow year on year.”
For more information on activities in Ringwood visit www.ringwood.gov.uk
