The Christmas season is launched in Eastleigh on Saturday, 21 November with the annual Christmas lights switch on event, creating a fun day for all the family.
Building on the attractions from last year, this year sees the return of the popular Ice skating rink, which is even bigger than before, a bucking rodeo reindeer ride, two climbing walls and giant slide, magic shows and children's entertainers and much more. There will be entertainment throughout the town including bands, a working steam engine, choir singing, face- painting, magic shows and children’s entertainers. From 5.15 p.m. a grand Christmas parade led by Santa and the Mayor of Eastleigh will wind its way through the town from Market Street to the Recreation Ground, ready for the annual lights switch-on at 6.00 p.m. followed by a spectacular firework display.
What’s more there will be a host of attractions in the Swan Centre including real reindeer, Titan the Robot, an Exploding Christmas Bauble, Costumed Characters and entertainers plus, of course, Father Christmas, who will be hosting a number of Santa tea parties at Nando’s, Frankie and Benny’s, Boswells and Gandhi Chopsticks. Swan Centre Manager Dee Buffone said “We’re all looking forward to Christmas here in Eastleigh, there’s so much to do and this year promises to be the biggest and best launch celebration yet”.
Chair of the Eastleigh Local Area Committee, Chris Thomas, believes the event will be the biggest that the town has seen. “Eastleigh has already established a reputation for being one of the best dressed towns at Christmas in the south. We want to build on that every year to show visitors who do not normally come to the town what a fantastic choice there is of places to shop and eat as well as entertainment.”
The days events are organised by Eastleigh Borough Council and the Town Centre Partnership and sponsored by; Eastleigh Borough Council, Daily Echo, Draper Tool Company, Hampshire Chronicle, Prysmian Cables & Systems, Swan Centre and Wave 105fm.
Details of more events and activities for the day will be found on and www.swanshopping.com.