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Hailsham Town Council, in partnership with local community organisations, have organised a fabulous Christmas Lights Switch-On alongside activities around Vicarage Field and Hailsham High Street. The lights will be switched on at 6pm, marking the official start of the town’s Christmas celebrations.

Residents and visitors can look forward to an afternoon of live entertainment, Christmas market stalls, family activities, festive food and drink, and opportunities to support local businesses and independent traders.

Local businesses, makers and independent traders will be offering handmade gifts and crafts, festive decorations, flowers, clothing, skincare, homeware, jewellery, children’s items and other locally produced products. Stallholders include Kie’s Tasty Temptations, Misty Acres, One of a Kind, Ace Knits & Bits, The Rum Infusionist, Sweet Kettle Bakes, and much more!

Food and drink will include pizza, a hog roast, coffee, crepes, jacket potatoes, chips, burgers, mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallows.

Festive entertainment will include live performances from The Sussex Stompers and Con Brio, while pupils from Hailsham Academy and Hailsham Academy Primary will perform Christmas carols ahead of the 6pm lighting ceremony. Father Christmas will also make a special appearance courtesy of Hailsham Rotary Club, and Hailsham FM will broadcast live from the town centre.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 6pm by actor Jonathan Linsley, who portrayed Ogilvey in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. Jonathan will be taking part in the celebrations wearing his Pirates of the Caribbean costume, adding a special touch of swashbuckling fun to this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Following the switch-on, visitors can visit Hailsham Parish Church for complimentary hot chocolate and marshmallows.