Record numbers of people welcomed the Farnham Christmas lights switch-on in style on Saturday (20 November) with a Santa’s grotto, bucking reindeer, children’s fun fair rides, snow globe, panto stars and live nativity.

Families, couples and groups of friends made the most of a fun-packed afternoon of entertainment to welcome the official start to the run up to Christmas by singing along to Abba hits from tribute act, Abba’s Angels and watching live performances from 15 schools and musical theatre groups.

The honour of switching on the lights fell to Lee Moran, winner of the 2020/21 Community Hero Award. To the delight of the crowd, Lee, flanked by Father Christmas, an entourage of stilt-walking elves, the cast of Fleet’s Sleeping Beauty panto, the members of Abba’s Angels and the Mayor of Farnham were picked out by a beam of light as they made their way across Gostrey Meadow in time to the theme song of Polar Express. As the crowd counted down from ten, at the flick of a switch Gostrey Meadow and the town centre became bathed in the warm, magical glow of Christmas lights.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people in the town looking forward to Christmas and starting their Christmas shopping in our town,” says Councillor Pat Evans, Lead Member for Tourism and Events. “I’d like to thank Lee Moran, our very own Community Hero, who switched on the lights for us, Farnham Veterinary Hospital for sponsoring Christmas in Farnham and the many, many local businesses and performers who joined in the fun of the day. I, for one, am feeling very Christmassy indeed!”

The fun began at 1pm with non-stop live singing, music and dance which continued throughout the afternoon. Families and young people made the most of mingling with pantomime characters from the Farnham Maltings and Fleet’s Harlington Centre by taking selfies with them while shoppers made a start on their Christmas shopping – or bought refreshments – as they browsed gift, food and drink stalls.

For many Farnham families, the Christmas lights switch-on marks the start of the festive season. Dozens of children got their first glimpse of Father Christmas this year after patiently queuing to visit his grotto, and the nativity, complete with sheep and a donkey, brought the Christmas story to life for all who saw it.

Visit the Christmas in Farnham pages for details about all events happening in Farnham this Christmas.

The next Christmas events organised by Farnham Town Council include the Civic Christmas Carol Service and the Snow Windows trail. Farnham Town Council fund the lights in both the town centre and rest of town. Separate light switch ons were organised by the local community in Badshot Lea on 22 November and Rowledge on 20 December.