Thousands Turn Up to enjoy Farnham's Winter Wonderland

Category: What's happened?

A Snowman and a Christmas Pudding switched-on Farnham’s Christmas Lights, at the ceremony, organised by Farnham Town Council, which took place last Saturday in Gostrey Meadow. 96.4 Eagle Radio, ‘Muddles’ and ‘Miriam’ from pantomime Snow White, playing at the Princes Hall in Aldershot and the Town Mayor, Councillor Lucinda Fleming judged the Fancy Dress Competition, with the help of the audience clap-o-metre.

“All of the entries were worthy winners. A tremendous amount of effort was shown in all the costumes, I wish they could have all been winners. I had the pleasure of helping Dixie Lyndsey, aged 3 and Larkin Lyndsey, aged 2 press the magic button” said Cllr Fleming.

From 12 noon, Gostrey Meadow was filled with an array of activities, including a charity market, which gave visitors the chance to buy and even win some unusual gifts at a number of tombolas, one of which was provided in aid of the Town Mayor’s charity, Brightwells Gostrey Centre. A sweet smell of Christmas wafted through the air too due to the refreshment tent, organised by the Mayor, which provided visitors with a mini mince pie and mulled wine. Other delicious treats on offer included; cupcakes, hot chestnuts, candy floss, old fashioned sweets and more substantial refreshments such as soup, hot dogs, burgers and camp doughnuts, which were provided by Tongham and 3rd Farnham Scouts.

The 12m x 12m synthetic ice rink proved popular, with many people happy to show off their skating skills, whist those who wanted to remain warm and dry, perused the arts and crafts market, which boasted items such as fashion jewellery, photographs and driftwood mirrors.
The children’s amusements consisted of teacups, a gyroscope and swing boats, which kept little ones quiet and there was one attraction, which brought a smile to a lot of faces – Father Christmas! His make-shift grotto in the Bandstand delighted those who passed through, most of whom were bearing present wish lists! Each child received a small bag of sweets, which was provided free of charge by Farnham Town Council.

Eagle Radio presenter, Kim Robson hosted the entertainment on the large, covered stage with the help of Love Crew members; Specs, Fizzy, Graphix, Bunny and Eggbert the Eagle.

5 local primary schools; Hale, St Peter’s, St Polycarp’s, Potters Gate and William Cobbett performed 2-3 carols each, as well as secondary schools; All Hallows and Farnham Heath End. Abby Lodge and Lily Hedgeman, both aged 14, from Farnham Heath End School did a separate performance too, singing chart toppers, ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz and ‘Yellow’ by Coldplay.

Further Christmas carols were provided by St Thomas on the Bourne Choir and there was music to suit all the family with performances from the Fleet Rock Choir, Alder Valley Brass, Driftwood Jazz, Twentyfivemiles and Something for the Weekend.

 In the run up to the ceremony, children from the Chantrys after school club took part in a lantern-making workshop, provided by the Farnham Maltings. Those who created lanterns were given the chance to show them off in a special parade at the Switch-On. To make sure other children could get involved too, co-ordinators from the Farnham Maltings also hosted a mini lantern-making workshop at the event.

As Eagle Radio began the countdown, pipers from Farnham Brass Band, the Town Crier and the Mayor led the lantern procession. The procession started at the Town Council offices in South Street and turned left continuing up the street before entering the Meadow past the war memorial and over the bridge, before arriving on stage.

The parade joined Eagle Radio with Fancy Dress winners Dixie and Larkin who pressed the magic button just before 6pm, when the Christmas Tree in the Meadow and at the Police Station came to life with light and the town’s streets shimmered with colour and oozed festive cheer.

Cllr Stephen O’ Grady, lead member of the Tourism and Events Working Group said, “Moving the event from East Street was a big step for Farnham Town Council and one of the reasons we did so was to respond to the concerns of the businesses over the East Street road closure. The site did provide a bigger and better event and judging by the reaction of the people who came along, the decision to go for a bigger event on Gostrey Meadow was the right one. There are things we could do better next time, as there always are but overall it was a huge success and I’m pleased so many residents and visitors enjoyed themselves.”

For more information on other events scheduled over the festive period pick up a ‘Christmas in Farnham’ leaflet. The publication is available to download from here or to collect from the Visitor Information Points, situated at the library, the Farnham Maltings, The Bush Hotel or the Town Council offices.