• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Chandler's Ford Today

  • Home
  • About
    • About Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research
  • Blog
    • Blogging Tips
  • Event
    • Upcoming Events
  • Community
    • Groups
    • Churches
    • Schools
    • GP Surgeries
    • Leisure
    • Library
    • Charities
      • Eastleigh Basics Bank
      • Cat & Kitten Rescue in Chandler’s Ford
    • Fair Trade
      • Traidcraft stalls in Chandler’s Ford
    • Chandler’s Ford Parish Council
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Site Policies
  • Site Archive
    • Site Archive 2018
    • Site Archive 2017
    • Site Archive 2016
    • Site Archive 2015
You are here: Home / Community / 2014 Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch on: Snow Has Fallen

2014 Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch on: Snow Has Fallen

November 23, 2014 By chippy minton 19 Comments

The first snow of winter fell in Eastleigh town centre yesterday. What, you missed it? You can’t have been in the right place at the right time.

I have to admit to being a bit of a Grinch when it comes to starting Christmas festivities too early.

If I could get away with it (and I rarely can) decorations wouldn’t go up until Christmas Eve – and would be taken down on New Year’s Day.

However, I am willing to concede that if the Christmas period is to be successful, we do need to start preparing for it well in advance.

And, er, I did nearly all of my Christmas shopping last weekend.

Eastleigh really buzzing Come down @EastleighTC @EastleighBC & have fun Mayors Charities cycles4all @alzheimerssoc pic.twitter.com/ZyLP5nVN4z

— Sonja Davison (@jstpumpkin) November 22, 2014

The countdown to Christmas officially started in Eastleigh on Saturday with the switching on of the Christmas lights.

The town didn’t need some C-list celebrity to perform the switch-on; it had Santa Claus – and you can’t get much more A-list than that. The town makes a proper occasion of the event, with all-day entertainment, a carnival parade, and fireworks.

@PointEastleigh @pointYT @EastleighTC Great fun and fabulous fireworks pic.twitter.com/mvrw2dLvG1 — Sonja Davison (@jstpumpkin) November 22, 2014

During the day the shopping streets were filled with charity stall, arts and crafts, choirs and bands.

Amongst many attractions you could: use a bicycle to power a liquidiser and create your own smoothie; listen to a samba or a steel drum band; climb a climbing wall; and find your nearest nature reserve (I noted that the town where I live (I am not an Eastleigh resident) is possibly the furthest point in Hampshire from a nature reserve).

Waiting to start the Xmas Light Parade in # Eastleigh . Off at 5:15 come & see us.Great lit up motor bikes!#asdaclc pic.twitter.com/3QuOSixYwK — CommunityChampion (@AsdaEastleigh) November 22, 2014

There was a reindeer (which was probably looking forward to Christmas) and a turkey (which probably wasn’t). There were fairground rides for young children, and a mirror-maze for children of all ages (it was more entertaining to stand outside and watch people fumble their way through).

And if you needed sustenance you could choose from hot dogs and burgers, roasted chestnuts, toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate.

You must get down 2 @EastleighTC @EastleighBC as there’s loads going on all donations to Mayor Eastleigh’s charities pic.twitter.com/pq4rpbec2b

— Sonja Davison (@jstpumpkin) November 22, 2014

By 5.00 High Street and Leigh Road began to fill with crowds waiting to see the Christmas parade.

There was a bit of light drizzle at first, but soon the rain cleared and we enjoyed a dry and mild evening.

Santa Clause was first in the parade, followed by an array of helpers and supports, marching bands, and representatives of local organisations and churches.

@EastleighPolice regulars and @HantsSpecials in the Christmas Lights Parade today. Great event! Well done! pic.twitter.com/KfrGwRuS74

— Eastleigh Police (@EastleighPolice) November 22, 2014

Oh, and that snow I mentioned in the first paragraph? It came from a snow machine on one of the floats.

“@EastleighPolice: @Eastleigh_news @EastleighBC @SwanEastleigh Parade looked great! pic.twitter.com/RKphSTrmcD”

— CommunityChampion (@AsdaEastleigh) November 23, 2014

Once the parade was over attention turned to the Leigh Road recreation ground for a firework display – an entertaining and varied display with some impressive volleys. And then the Christmas lights were switched on.

Eastleigh is preparing for Christmas – are you?

Fab firework display after Xmas light switch on.Huge crowds watched by the Rec & listened to @1051jackfm #asdaclc pic.twitter.com/leYDghF2rN

— CommunityChampion (@AsdaEastleigh) November 23, 2014

 

Shots from #eastleigh Xmas Light Parade tonight. Well done @Cyclesforall illuminated bikes & @PavilionotPark #asdaclc pic.twitter.com/ZW5ETDXYAT

— CommunityChampion (@AsdaEastleigh) November 22, 2014

Thousands enjoyed Eastleigh's fun day and free fireworks! http://t.co/DfTOjGezsS http://t.co/CuBthTvRCx http://t.co/z7gCMJyw0f

— Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) November 25, 2014

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Email

Related posts:

Eastleigh’s Christmas Lights Switch on – 21st November 2015 Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On and Fun Day; Winter Open Studios 2016 Christmas Song for Eastleigh – Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch on 2014 Don’t Forget: Winter Open Studios This Weekend at the Sorting Office Eastleigh Read Bill Bryson’s Portrayal of Eastleigh Town. Do You Agree?
Tags: celebrations, charity, Christmas, community, crafts, Eastleigh, Eastleigh Borough Council, Eastleigh Museum, entertainment, event, local interest, music, review, travel

About chippy minton

I've lived in Chandler's Ford and Eastleigh for most of my working life, with interspersed with a few years in north-west Hampshire (though remaining a regular visitor to the area).

I work in IT, and my hobbies include bell ringing, walking and cycling. I am also a self-confessed “born-again runner” having discovered parkrun in 2015.

I enjoy live theatre and music, and try to watch many of the shows that are performed in the Eastleigh area.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Janet Williams says

    November 23, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    Oh no! Chippy Minton, you’ve forgotten to mention The Sorting Office Eastleigh Winter Open Studios.

    Didn’t buy a hand-dyed scarf, stained glass, ceramic, jewellery……by our most talented artists based in Eastleigh?

    Reply
    • Chippy says

      November 24, 2014 at 10:24 pm

      oh no, I forgot to visit there. And I forgot to mention the Chinese dragon in the parade.

      Reply
      • Janet Williams says

        November 24, 2014 at 10:53 pm

        Chippy,

        You can write part 2 to encapsulate all the lost part!

        How do you know that was a Chinese dragon? Not lion? I could not possibly link a dragon dance to Christmas. They are two different concepts, are they not?

        Reply
        • Chippy says

          November 25, 2014 at 7:05 pm

          Maybe it was a lion. Actually, yes it was a lion. Well the two do look similar.

          Reply
  2. John and Sonja Davison says

    November 23, 2014 at 6:20 pm

    @cfordtoday @AsdaEastleigh @EastleighBC What a lovely resume of a great day for Eastleigh #lovewhereyouliveEastleigh

    — Sonja Davison (@jstpumpkin) November 23, 2014

    Reply
  3. Mike Sedgwick says

    November 23, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    It’s not Christmas coming again is it? Bah, humbug. Bet the lights won’t work when I get them down from the loft. Bet we can only find a skinny Christmas Tree. I’d rather have roast beef then turkey any day. And is there anything worse than Christmas Television? Are we having Towering Inferno or African Queen this year? Probably both.

    Everyone gets so frenetic and worked up about it. There is no need. Just relax…

    When the treble voice sings “Once in Royal David’s City” at 4.00 pm on Christmas Eve in Kings College Chapel, Cambridge – then the magic begins.

    Reply
    • Janet Williams says

      November 23, 2014 at 9:33 pm

      As Christmas tree is getting too expensive, two years ago, we resorted to buying a fake one – well, a ‘real-like’ Christmas tree, or a ‘real’ fake tree (sorry for my bad oxymoron). I wonder how long this fake tree is going to last – as when it was bent and distorted and was pushed back into the box, some glitters (yes, glitters from the leaves!) came off and some leaves looked sorry ……

      The problem with the fake tree is that it doesn’t seem to have a ‘personality’.

      My parents in law live in the countryside, where Christmas trees are growing wild in the woodland. These Christmas trees are invasive and are encroaching on the heathland – so the local authorities have to clear them (or get residents to help) to protect the heathland. Some years, residents got ‘free’ Christmas trees if they helped clear the woodland and help protect the heathers.

      Reply
  4. epicduda says

    November 23, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    For Christmas television I watch Doctor Who. It’s pretty much the only Christmas television I watch.

    Reply
    • Ruby says

      November 24, 2014 at 10:22 pm

      it’s probably the only Christmas television that is worth watching.

      Reply
  5. Baby Isabella says

    November 24, 2014 at 10:39 pm

    Today I met the Mayor of #Eastleigh at the #Christmas Parade! He was a very nice chap! @EastleighBC @Eastleigh_news pic.twitter.com/BJ86FIPrmJ

    — Baby Isabella (@dear_mummy) November 22, 2014

    Reply
  6. Dan Brain says

    November 25, 2014 at 4:50 pm

    Another great Christmas Parade and the weather held out despite the forecast- wish we had let Cupboard Bear (The Eastleigh Basics Bank mascot) come out to see the crowds after all – but then he really doesn’t like the rain!! Perhaps he will make an appearance at the Boyatt Wood Precinct Christmas event on the 4th December? 16:00-19:00

    Reply
  7. Eastleigh Borough Council says

    November 26, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    Nice report and photos from @cfordtoday of Christmas fun day in Eastleigh http://t.co/O2AC5QsI4a

    — Eastleigh Borough (@EastleighBC) November 26, 2014

    Reply
  8. Janet Williams says

    November 26, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Congratulations to chippy! You now have new fans at Eastleigh Borough Council.

    Reply
  9. Janet Williams says

    November 28, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Thank you Eastleigh News for your video-recording of the marvellous event. Eastleigh’s Christmas spirit is high. What about Chandler’s Ford?

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Central Precinct Christmas Lights Switched On - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    December 5, 2014 at 11:08 pm

    […] the Central Precinct, Christmas celebration was done differently. There was no need for Santa Claus or a horse […]

    Reply
  2. How Chandler's Ford Today Makes An Impact - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    December 9, 2014 at 11:00 pm

    […] you for sharing enchanting local events, mystery, and inspiring fund-raising […]

    Reply
  3. Spectacular Selwood Christmas Tree - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    December 10, 2014 at 7:44 pm

    […] We collect the tree on the last Friday of November and install it ourselves. It is then dressed by an outside company over the weekend who also service the lights as they do the Eastleigh lights. […]

    Reply
  4. The Poppies At The Tower Of London - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    June 26, 2015 at 12:13 am

    […] as we approach Christmas, as it’s Christians who form the largest denomination in the UK, we could spare a few moments […]

    Reply
  5. Glorious Honey At Eastleigh Museum - Chandler's Ford Today says:
    August 30, 2015 at 12:01 am

    […] Eastleigh Christmas Lights Switch On 2014 […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Search

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to Chandler's Ford Today blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Archives

Top Posts & Pages

999, 111, 101, 112? Emergency Numbers You Must Know
101 Things to Put into Room 101
Home
Another Potters Heron Story Before the 1966 Fire
Questions In Fiction
101 Things to Put into Room 101 - Part 7 - The Final Leg
Another Turn of the Potter's Wheel
Education
David Beckham's Chinese Tattoo
Those were the Days: the Potters Heron Hotel in the 50s and 60s

Categories

Tags

arts and crafts books Chandler's Ford Chandler's Ford Today Chandler’s Ford community charity Christianity Christmas church community creative writing culture Eastleigh Eastleigh Borough Council education entertainment event family fundraising gardening gardening tips good neighbours Hiltingbury Hiltingbury Road history hobby how-to interview Joan Adamson Joan Adelaide Goater local businesses local interest memory Methodist Church music nature news reading review social storytelling theatre travel Winchester Road writing

Recent Comments

  • Allison Symes on Paragraphs and Punctuation in Fiction
  • Mike Sedgwick on Paragraphs and Punctuation in Fiction
  • Robbie Sprague on Mrs Doncaster
  • Jill Leask on Mrs Doncaster
  • Allison Symes on Originality in Fiction
  • Mike Sedgwick on Originality in Fiction

Regular Writers and Contributors

Janet Williams Allison Symes Mike Sedgwick Rick Goater Doug Clews chippy minton Martin Napier Roger White Andy Vining Gopi Chandroth Nicola Slade Wellie Roger Clark Ray Fishman Hazel Bateman SO53 News

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Forty Years in Chandler’s Ford – a Journal by Joan Adelaide Goater

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s by Martin Napier

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

My Memories of the War Years in Chandler’s Ford 1939 – 1945 by Doug Clews

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

Chandler’s Ford War Memorial Research by Margaret Doores

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

History of Hiltonbury Farmhouse by Andy Vining

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

My Family History in Chandler’s Ford and Hursley by Roger White

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Do You Remember The Hutments? By Nick John

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

Memory of Peter Green by Wendy Green

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

History of Vickers Armstrongs (Supermarine) Hursley Park by Dave Key

Reviews of local performances and places

Reviews of local performances and places

Copyright © 2022 Chandler's Ford Today. WordPress. Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.