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
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?
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?
oh no, I forgot to visit there. And I forgot to mention the Chinese dragon in the parade.
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?
Maybe it was a lion. Actually, yes it was a lion. Well the two do look similar.
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.
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.
For Christmas television I watch Doctor Who. It’s pretty much the only Christmas television I watch.
it’s probably the only Christmas television that is worth watching.
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
Congratulations to chippy! You now have new fans at Eastleigh Borough Council.
Thank you Eastleigh News for your video-recording of the marvellous event. Eastleigh’s Christmas spirit is high. What about Chandler’s Ford?