Andover High Street will be alive with excitement this weekend with a dazzling double of festive events.
The fun kicks off on Friday, 15 November from 5 – 7.30pm with the excitement of the Andover Christmas Lights Switch On, alongside a special gift market in the Chantry Centre from 9am through into the evening, and then on Sunday the High Street will be filled with a packed Artisan Market – just right to get ahead for Christmas!
The annual Christmas Lights Switch On brought to you by Test Valley Borough Council promises a sparkling spectacle this year, with lots of local talent providing entertainment on the stage including Andover Rock Choir, Rosie Merritt and Long Overdue Theatre School, and even an appearance by Father Christmas himself! The event is sponsored by David Mellor Jewellers and Luke Shearer (front man of local band Funkline) and Luis Wyatt of Andover Radio will compère the evening, with rides and attractions, children’s face painting and lots of delicious food to keep you warm.
The evening will culminate in the Christmas Lights switch on provided by Andover Town Council at 7.30pm, and followed by a grand firework display sponsored by The Chantry Centre.
The lights will be switched on by Megan Williams, 9, after her Christmas poem was selected by David Mellor Family Jewellers following Andover Radios ‘Search for a star‘.
Then on Sunday, 17 November from 10am – 2pm the penultimate Andover Artisan Market of the year will take place in the High Street. Continue the festive mood from Friday’s Switch On and indulge in food, drinks and gifts for Christmas. Traders this month include a first time visit from Pear Tree Cottage Preserves and the return of firm favourites Hampshire Gluten Free, Pumblechooks Jewellery, The Gin Stall and Oaktrack Smallholding.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Phil North, said: “This is one of the busiest and most highly anticipated weekends of the year in the High Street, with two events that are always amazingly well supported by Test Valley residents. The town comes alive on Friday from 5pm and is the perfect event for families, and this year will also feature a festive gift market in the Chantry Centre from 9am – 7pm. If you haven’t experienced the Christmas Lights Switch On or the Artisan Market before then I would highly recommend taking part and feeling involved in one of the biggest community weekends of the year.”
