True sense of occasion

Caroline Peterson has lived in Christchurch for 14 years and has attended every Christmas Festival since its launch. She was at Saturday’s event and enthused about all of the activities on offer. She said: “I’ve been to every lights switch-on since the first one in 1999. It didn’t happen in 2005 as the weather was so bad it had to be cancelled. This year has been fantastic though – particularly the bands in the marquee. I’ve brought my grandchildren along too as they love getting dressed up in their warm clothes and get so excited when the lights are first turned on.”

And as Paul adds, Festival feedback is always positive: “People love the festive atmosphere – children having fun, the chance to shop locally in a pleasant environment, and the sense of occasion when the Christmas lights are switched on.” In fact, he even went as far as describing the event as “one of the best Christmas Festivals we have had,” adding: “The town centre was full of people enjoying themselves, the shops and Christmas Market stallholders had lots of business and the Christmas lights switch-on was as usual a hugely popular event.”

The 2007 lights switch-on certainly got the reception it deserved, with thousands of families cramming in front of the Mayor’s Parlour in anticipation of Santa who arrived in a fire truck decorated in festive decorations. He then joined Cllr Mrs Josephine Spencer on the balcony of the Parlour, along with her special guests Dominic Lees-Bell, the Town Crier and Wave 105 DJ Steve Power for the switch-on.

Addressing the crowd, Cllr Mrs Spencer said: “This Festival has become a very important event here in Christchurch and this year we’ve had the help of the community allowing us to provide you with all sorts of activities. I very much hope that you’re all enjoying this special day.”

Also in residence at the Mayor’s Parlour on the day were two stars from Bournemouth’s Christmas pantomime, Sleeping Beauty – Malandra Burrows from Emmerdale who is playing the Good Fairy and Christopher Pizzey from The Basil Brush Show who plays Silly Billy in the panto. The stars were in full costume, looking extremely festive and waved and spoke to the crowds from the balcony of the parlour. The show is being performed at the Bournemouth Pavilion from 6 December 2007 until 6 January 2008. Tickets are priced at £12, £14 and £15.

An event for future generations

Dr Somerville Ford enjoyed spending time with each of the guests at the Mayor’s Parlour and was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor the event, and therefore bring enjoyment to thousands of people. He commented: “I am so glad to have had the chance to sponsor the Festival and I was extremely pleased to see so many people enjoying themselves – particularly those who lined up to view the reindeer. I very much hope that the lights switch-on will be enjoyed by generations for many more years to come.”

Speaking on behalf of the Council and the team behind the Festival, Paul thanked Alistair for his support. He said: “Alistair’s kind contribution has enabled the Festival to continue to evolve and grow. Without it we would not have been able to have the wide range of attractions and that would have affected the number of visitors coming into the town and the ‘feel good’ factor on the night, so it really is most important and very much appreciated by the Festival Organising Committee.”

ICM very much hopes that you enjoyed the Festival and wishes you Season’s Greetings for Christmas 2007 and a prosperous New Year in 2008.

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1. Introduction
2. Strong community spirit
3. True sense of occasion
4. Photo Gallery
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