The city centre is preparing to kick-start festive celebrations with the lights switch-on and the #IndieWinch chalet at the Cathedral Christmas Market.
The annual spectacular event, organised by Winchester BID and sponsored by Dutton Gregory Solicitors, attracts thousands of people to the city centre.
Taking place in The Broadway outside the Guildhall on Thursday, November 16, the Winchester Christmas lights will be switched on by local heroes nominated by the public.
The event is hosted by Heart Radio and promises a fun evening, with Santa’s sleigh and live performances from Harestock Primary School Choir, The Pilgirms' School Chamber Choir, Winchester A Capella, Integr8 Dance, Theatre Royal Winchester, Spitfire Sisters, Rock Choir and Diva Academy.
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The giant inflatable snow globe will be located in The Square on the day of the switch-on from 12noon to 8pm.
Visitors to the snow globe are encouraged to make a voluntary donation to Spare Change for Lasting Change, Winchester BID’s charity scheme which aims to help reduce street begging and rough sleeping in the city by supporting two local homelessness charities, Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Beacon.
Winchester BID is also hosting a Christmas chalet where a selection of local independent businesses will be trading.
The chalet will run for the full duration until the market closes on Thursday, December 21.
Paul Spencer, executive director at Winchester BID, said: “We are delighted to be coordinating the 2023 Winchester Christmas Lights, the switch-on event and the #IndieWinch chalet at the Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market. The Christmas Lights Switch On kick starts the festive season in Winchester and is a fun, family event that brings together the whole of the community and helps get everyone in the festive spirit.
“It is also the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on some of our community heroes, which is why we are in search of well-deserving local people to help switch on this year’s lights. A special thank you to the event sponsor Dutton Gregory Solicitors and to all the businesses which sponsor the High Street Christmas tree – we couldn’t do it without you.”
Robert Bolwell, consultant at Dutton Gregory Solicitors, said: “Sponsoring the Christmas Lights in Winchester has become an annual tradition that everyone at Dutton Gregory Solicitors very much looks forward to. The ‘Switch On’ event is always a joyful start to the festive season and a wonderful example of the community spirit that we are fortunate enough to have been part of for over 75 years. After an incredibly busy year, we wish our clients, Winchester’s business community and residents a very happy and peaceful Christmas.”
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