Christmas Festival
Christmas Festival in Battle, East Sussex
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The Christmas festivities in Battle start with the Christmas lights switch on on the last Saturday in November and the second Thursday after that we hold Gala night, when traders dress up and offer drinks and nibbles to their customers and stay open 'til 9pm.
The switch on day includes a Parade of Santa and his helpers down the high street before he sees well over 200 children in his Grotto at the Memorial hall. Those waiting are entertained by Uncle Bumble the Clown, there are refreshements available in the adjacent St Valerie room, a Charity Market in the Sheppard room and children's rides on the Abbey Green.
Gala night gives Battle a special Christmas atmosphere with plenty of shoppers around and the Mayor of the town judging the best individual fancy dress and the best dressed business. That evening the President of the Chamber will also present the Chamber cup for the best dressed Christmas window.
This year's programme is as follows:
Santa Claus is coming to Battle on Saturday 26th November to switch on the Christmas lights for the 2011 festive season. His annual parade down the High Street with the Langton Loons and the Kingfisher band will begin at 1.50 pm. His carriage will take him to his special grotto in the Memorial Hall where he will meet children from 2.15 pm until 4.45 pm. When it gets dark, at approximately 5pm, he will emerge onto the Abbey green to switch on the traditional lights.
Tickets to see Santa will be on sale the Memorial Hall from 2.15 pm on the day. He regrets that there will only be time to see 200 children individually during the afternoon, so you need to come early to avoid disappointment. "The Snowman" will be shown to amuse the children while they are waiting and Mr Bumble and Crazy Bumble will be there to join in the fun. There will also be kiddies' rides outside on the Abbey Green.
For the adults,the popular Charity market will take place in the Sheppard Room, There will be stalls for Amnesty,Battle Muffins,the RSPB, RNLI and Victim Support, so come along and see what they have to offer.
As usual, the lovely ladies from the Saxonwood WI will provide refreshments in the St Valery room.
If you are in town for the afternoon, don't miss the Christmas Tree festival at St Mary's Church. The trees are decorated beautifully by local schools, churches and community groups and are well worth seeing.
Battle's annual Christmas Gala Night is on 8th December 2011. The shops will be open from 6 pm until 9 pm and the shops and businesses will be competing for awards for the best decorations and the best fancy dress. There will be music and entertainment from the combined Churches' choir, Battle & Langton School Choir, the Battle Abbey School choir, Hastings Melodians, the Salvation Army brass band and Lucy Ashton.
The Wealden Craft market will be in the Memorial Hall again from 4.30pm until 8.30pm.
Santa Claus will be back: this time in the Almonry from 6 pm until 8 pm and the museum of local history in the Almonry grounds will be open for the evening and free. St Mary's Church will also be open and offer another opportunity for visitors to enjoy their Christmas trees. Fun, hospitality and a warm seasonal welcome can be expected from venues throughout the town.
Photos show the Christmas Parade on the way to the Magic Grotto and the Barber Pirates at Barberlou's.
