Dear All,
My fellow Town Councillors, Officers and I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a happy and successful New Year. We are all very much looking forward to the turning on of the Christmas lights to mark the beginning of the Christmas festivities, followed by the many Christmas activities which our voluntary and community groups will be putting on over that period. One highlight will be the Carol Service at the Priory on 14th December, and who doesn't enjoy singing Christmas Carols in such wonderful surroundings? The Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) will be going on every evening during December at various places through the town and raising money for many excellent causes - we hope to see you at some. We are planning a whole day of festivities this year in the High Street and into Saxon Square and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there during the day and at the lights turn on at 5.30pm!
Very Best Christmas Wishes from us all! Vivienne Charrett, Mayor of Christchurch
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Christchurch Christmas lights and turn on Event is brought to you by Christchurch Town Council. We very much hope you will enjoy this year’s display, from the deer in the roundabout to the magical Convent and Riverside Walk that takes you to the bandstand – with further light displays along Bargates and fabulous ones in the Highstreet. Wishing you a very merry Christmas from everyone at Christchurch Town Council.
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On Stage!
In the High Street 11am – 7pm DJ and MC Jay Rachet from Hot Radio!
Keeping the tunes and the seasonal glow going all day long
11:00: The Choir Engine Christchurch
Award winning, friendly, and talented community Choir
12:00: Charlie Greenwood
Sparkling vocals to get us all in the mood for Christmas celebrations
12:45: DJ Set with Jay Rachet - Star of Hot Radio 13:15: Sound of Soul Choir
Fabulous Bournemouth vocal group specialising in upbeat soul, Motown and pop classics. We cant wait to hear what they will sing for our Christmas special.
14:30: Highcliffe Charity Players
Lights, Music, Action! Their goal is to entertain their audiences whilst raising money for local causes that are near and dear to the hearts of their membership. Over the past half decade, thanks to the dedicated efforts of members, they have been able to donate tens of thousands of pounds to a variety of local charities.
15.45: Minky Moos Childrens Entertainment
Minky Moos Children’s Entertainment is all about putting a smile on your children’s faces. They aim to provide children and families with excellent entertainment, education, and memories for life – here we go with a Christmas special.
16:45: DJ Set with Jay Rachet! Star of Hot Radio! Lets get the party started!
17:30: Christmas Lights turn on!
As is our Christmas tradition in Christchurch, The Mayor of Christchurch, Councillor Viv Charrett will be performing the honours of the light turn on. Wonder who will be joining her on stage? Watch this space!
17:45: 6 to the Bar
Time to Party! Fabulous party band to help us celebrate the lights turn on in full Christmas style.
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Also in the High street we will have The Hush Club! Playing fab tunes and serving cocktails! What more can you ask for?
Fairground rides! Face painting! Its time to sparkle! Playful Faces & Balloons will be there to paint wonderful pictures to get you all in the mood for the Christmas season! Many wonderful hot and cold food vendors plus gorgeous gifts, arts and crafts stalls for you to browse for Christmas!
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Highcliffe Charity Players
Event Acts
Choir Engine Choir
Minky Moo
Saxon Square: Urban Bike Displays Times: 12:00 | 13:30 | 15:00 Urban Bike Displays highenergy extreme sports show sees mountain bike athletes perform a series of daring feats on a purpose-built rig – feats that require incredible balance, accuracy and an element of crazy! Using head mics to communicate with the crowd, our riders will have the whole audience rooting for them to nail their manoeuvres.
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Christmas
Wreath Competition
The Big Christmas Bauble Hunt!
After a hugely successful first year, the Christchurch Christmas Wreath Competition is back and better than ever! The Christchurch BID and Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce have invited all businesses to create a Christmas wreath that reflects their business. Wreaths will be hung on doors or in windows across Christchurch and you, our wonderful public can vote online for our Christmas Wreath Champion. The competition begins on the 20th November 2023 and voting closes on the 10th December at 5pm. Photographs of all entries will be shared on the Christchurch BID (@ChristchurchBID) and Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce (@Christchurchchamberoftrade&commerce) Facebook pages where you can vote for your favourites. The business with the most votes wins!
PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!
Can you find our special Christchurch BID Christmas Baubles hiding around Christchurch? This year, we have secretly hung special Christchurch BID Christmas baubles in businesses across Christchurch. From Bargates, through to Wick Lane, Bridge Street and beyond, there are a total of 15 baubles to find in different venues around the town. There will be prizes to win including Gift Hampers, Gift Vouchers and Experiences! How to enter: •
Post a selfie with you and a special Christchurch BID bauble on Facebook and tag in the business where you have found the bauble.
•
Tag @ChristchurchBID on Facebook.
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Add #bigbaublehunt to your post so we can find you and you can be entered into the prize draw!
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Like and follow the Christchurch BID Facebook Page @ChristchurchBID
And you can win too! Everyone who votes will automatically be entered into our prize draw to win an afternoon tea for two at Captains Club Hotel. Take your time to wander around Christchurch and enjoy the festive feel, voting for your favourite wreath or wreaths as you go. (Voting closes Sunday 10th December - Winners announced Wednesday 13th December) The competition is proudly sponsored by Captains Club Hotel and the Christchurch Chamber of Trade & Commerce.
The Christchurch Big Christmas Bauble Hunt will start on Saturday 25th November ending on Friday 15th December 2023. Winners will be announced weekly every Saturday morning.
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Where’s the Elf on a Shelf? Those mischievous elves are at it again but this time they have taken over all kinds of businesses in Christchurch! Gather your little ones and head into town to see if you can find our cheeky elves causing mischief! How to win a prize: •
If you spot an Elf waving a Christchurch BID golden flag in a window or inside a shop, cafe or other business, ask a member of staff for one of our golden tickets.
•
Pop your name and phone number or email address on the ticket along with the location you spotted an elf and head to the Regent Centre to post your ticket into our Santa postbox located in the Tourist Centre.
There are several elves across the town so you can enter more than once from different locations! There are prizes to be won so don’t hesitate to find the elves and post your golden tickets! Good luck!
SANTA’S POSTBOX Pens and paper at the ready, Santa has asked if his postbox can be placed in the Christchurch Tourist information centre at the Regent Centre again for 2023 and of course we have said yes! He loved receiving so many letters last year so please pop in and post your Christmas wishes. The postbox gets emptied by his helpers on the 20th December so don’t delay, get your letter in the post box today!
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Christmas Events calendar DATE NOVEMBER Sat 25th
Mon 27th Tues 28th DECEMBER Fri 1st
Sat 2nd
Sun 3rd
Mon 4th Tues 5th Weds 6th Thurs 7th
Fri 8th
Sat 9th
Sun 10th
Mon 11th Tues 12th Weds 13th Thurs 14th
TIME
VENUE
EVENT
2pm to 7pm 11am to 8pm 10.30am to 5.30pm 2pm to 4pm 9.30am to 12.30pm 7pm
Druitt Hall Town Centre & Saxon Square Christchurch Priory Red House Museum Druitt Hall Baccello Wine & Cicchetti Bar
Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre THE BIG CHRISTMAS LIGHT TURN ON!!! Christmas Fete & Craft Fair - free Lantern Making Family Craft Activity - free Local Artisan Market and Café - free Sparkling Wines & Festive Feels - booking required
10am to 2.30pm 6pm 9pm 9pm 12pm to 4pm 6pm 9pm 9pm 1pm to 4pm 1.30pm to 4pm 6pm 6.30pm 3pm 9.30am to 12.30pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 7pm 7pm 8pm 10am to 2.30pm 6pm 6.30pm onward 9pm 9pm 11am to 3pm 12pm to 4pm 3pm
Druitt Hall Saxon Square The Thomas Tripp Soho The Hatch Gallery Christchurch Priory The Thomas Tripp Soho Captains Club Hotel Soho The Boathouse Christchurch Priory The Thomas Tripp Druitt Hall Chicken & Blues Christchurch Library The Regent Centre The Thomas Tripp Christchurch Priory The Snug The Thomas Tripp Druitt Hall Saxon Square MAW Restaurant The Thomas Tripp Soho Red House Museum The Hatch Gallery Red House Museum
All day
Red House Museum
6pm 7.30pm 7.30pm 9pm 9pm 1.30pm to 4.30pm 3pm 6pm 9.30am to 12.30pm 6pm 6pm 7.15pm 6pm 6pm 7.00pm 7.30pm 8pm
Christchurch Baptist Church Christchurch Priory The Snug The Thomas Tripp Soho Soho The Thomas Tripp Ye Olde George Inn Druitt Hall Saxon Square Captains Club Hotel The Regent Centre Kings Arms Hotel Pavillion The Boathouse The Snug Christchurch Priory The Thomas Tripp
Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre CLAC live performance in aid of Dorset Children’s Foundation Live Music - Ain’t Misbehavin’ Live Music/DJ - DJ Luke Open Gallery session inc. tasting of Hatchmade Sloe Gin CLAC live performance in aid of Julia’s House Live Music - Six & Sax Live Music/DJ - DJ Kev Cole - SleekRay Christmas Market - The Waterside Suite - free Live Music - Sodapops CLAC live performance in aid of Ashley’s Birthday Bank Advent Service “From Darkness to Light” Live Music - Darren Hodson Local Artisan Market and Café - free CLAC live performance in aid of The Water Lily Project CLAC live performance in aid of Parkinsons Disease CLAC live performance in aid of The Regent Centre CLAC live performance in aid of Room to Reward Boscombe Salvation Army Band Concert - booking required Christchurch Vinyl Club Christmas Special - booking advised Live Music - Blue Tides Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre- free CLAC live performance in aid of Macmillan Caring Locally Christmas Cheese & Wine night for Two - booking required Live Music - Matt Black Live Music/DJ - DJ Bob Baker Storytelling, Facepainting, Crafts and more - free admission Open Gallery Afternoon including tasting of Hatchmade Sloe Gin Carols in the Courtyard with Mince Pies and Mulled Wine - free The Christmas Gnome Hunt! £2 - no need to book - 9th Dec to 31st Dec CLAC live performance in aid of Pramalife Bach Choir Concert - Messiah - booking required An Evening of Cabaret with Nicole McNally – booking essential Live Music - Sirpico Live Mucis/DJ - DJ Andy Garvey/SleekRay/Cass Live Music - Gavin Munn Live Music - MLC CLAC live performance in aid of Marie Curie Local Artisan Market and Café - free CLAC live performance in aid of Christchurch Food Bank CLAC live performance in aid of The Listening Ear The Nutcracker live on the big screen via the Royal Opera House CLAC live performance in aid of Autism International CLAC live performance in aid of My Time Snug Showcase Sessions Festive Open Mic Night Christchurch Community Carols Live Music - Crackerjack
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Christmas Events calendar DATE Friday 15th
Sat 16th
Sun 17th
Mon 18th
Tues 19th
Weds 20th
Thurs 21st
Fri 22nd
Sat 23rd
TIME 10am to 2.30pm 6pm 6pm onward 9pm 9pm 10am to 3pm 11am to 3pm 11am & 4pm 3pm
VENUE Druitt Hall Somerford Arc MAW Restaurant The Thomas Tripp Soho Druitt Hall Red House Museum The Regent Centre Red House Museum
6pm
Red House Museum
7pm 9pm 9pm 11am & 4pm 1.30pm to 4pm 3pm 3pm 6pm 9.30am to 12.30pm 10am & 11.45am 6pm
MAW Restaurant The Thomas Tripp Soho The Regent Centre Soho Christchurch Priory The Thomas Tripp Mad4Dance Studios Druitt Hall The Ducking Stool Ye Olde George Inn
2pm
The Regent Centre
10am & 11.45am 6.30pm
The Ducking Stool Christchurch Priory
6pm
Loch & Quay
7pm 9pm Various times 10am & 11.45am 6pm 7pm 9pm 10am & 11.45am 5pm 6pm 7pm 7pm 8pm 9pm 10am to 2.30pm 10am & 11.45am 11am & 4pm 2.30pm 5pm & 7pm
The Regent Centre Soho Red House Museum The Ducking Stool Druitt Hall The Regent Centre Soho The Ducking Stool Christchurch Priory The Thomas Tripp The Regent Centre MAW Restaurant The Thomas Tripp Soho Druitt Hall The Ducking Stool The Regent Centre MAW Restaurant Christchurch Baptist Church
6pm
Red House Museum
6.30pm Christchurch Priory 9pm The Thomas Tripp 9pm Soho 11am & 4pm The Regent Centre 10am & 11.45am The Ducking Stool 2.30pm, 4.30pm, 6.30pm Christchurch Priory 6pm Ye Olde George Inn 9pm The Thomas Tripp 9pm Soho
EVENT Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre CLAC live performance in aid of Somerford Arc Christmas Steak Night for Two - booking required Live Music - Hardcore Troubadors Live Music/DJ - DJ Sheeno Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre Storytelling, Facepainting, Crafts, trails and more - free Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Carols in the Courtyard with Mince Pies and Mulled Wine - free CLAC live performance in aid of Christchurch and Bournemouth RNLI Christmas themed Paint & Prosecco - booking essential Live Music - Wiseguys Live Music/DJ - DJ SleekRay/Cass/Andy Garvey Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Live Music with The Royal T’s Christingle Service Live Music - Totog CLAC live performance in aid of Elevate Foundation Local Artisan Market and Café Breakfast with Santa - booking essential CLAC live performance in aid of Hengistbury Head NCI The Nutcracker (big screen live) via Royal Opera House - booking essential Breakfast with Santa - booking essential Nine Lessons & Carols CLAC live performance in aid of Christchurch Community Partnership Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Live Music with the Big Night Out Band Make your own Hobby Horse - booking required Breakfast with Santa - booking essential CLAC live performance in aid of Bournemouth Blind Society Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Live Music with Groovemeister Breakfast with Santa - booking essential Carols in the Car Park CLAC live performance in aid of Christchurch Cancer Research Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Christmas Burger Night At MAW - booking required Live Music - Susie Kimber & Sarah Bolter Live Music with The Goodfoot Band Christmas Craft and Gift Fayre Breakfast with Santa - booking essential Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Magical Kids Christmas Experience - booking essential Carol Service CLAC live performance in aid of Friends of the Red House Museum Nine Lessons & Carols Live Music - Brass Monkeys Live Music/DJ - DJ Bob Baker Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Breakfast with Santa - booking essential The Snowman - booking required CLAC live performance in aid of Lewis Manning Live Music - Groovemeister Live Music/DJ - DJ SleekRay/Cass
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Christmas Events calendar DATE Sun 24th
Mon 25th
Tues 26th Weds 27th Thurs 28th Fri 29th Sat 30th Sun 31st
TIME 11am & 4pm 10am & 11.45am 12 noon, 3pm
VENUE The Regent Centre The Ducking Stool Christchurch Priory
2pm
Saxon Square
3pm 4pm to late 11.15pm 8am 10am 12pm to 3pm 7pm until midnight 9pm
The Thomas Tripp Soho Christchurch Priory Christchurch Priory Christchurch Priory The Thomas Tripp Captains Club Hotel The Thomas Tripp
9pm 9pm 9pm 9pm
The Thomas Tripp Soho The Thomas Tripp Soho
7pm
Captains Club Hotel
7pm 8pm
The Thomas Tripp The Snug
9.30pm
The Regent Centre
9.30pm
Soho
EVENT Christmas Spectacular - booking essential Breakfast with Santa - booking essential Crib Service CLAC live performance - charities supported by Christchurch Rotary Live Music - Loose Chippings The Soho Christmas Eve Party - DJ’s from 4pm Midnight Mass Holy Communion Sung Eucharist Bar Open for locals Boxing Day Evening House Party! - booking essential Live Music - Crash Bang Wallop - What A Band! Live Music - Country Tones Live Music/DJ - J Mr Harrison Live Music - BB3 Live Music/DJ - DJ SleekRay/Cass/Andy Garvey NYE Party - dinner, live band, casino, fireworks! - booking essential NYE Party - free entry! NYE Smartphone Speed Quiz - booking essential NYE Celebration - Footloose and London fireworks - booking essential Masquerade NYE Party - Live DJ’s - booking essential
The Christchurch library will be hosting a number of free drop in sessions over the Christmas period including a Christmas treasure hunt and bauble decorating. Mondays & Fridays will be Christmas themed Wriggle and Rhyme sessions for babies and preschoolers with Tuesdays hosting Storytime Tribe with Christmas themed books (aged 2 and up). For further information or to book events listed above, please visit the website of the venue directly: Druitt Hall www.druitthall.org.uk Christchurch Priory www.christchurchpriory.org Red House Museum www.hampshireculture.org.uk/red-house-museum-and-gardens Baccello www.baccello.co.uk The Thomas Tripp www.thomastripp.co.uk Captains Club Hotel www.captainsclubhotel.com The Snug www.10thesnug.co.uk The Regent Centre www.regentcentre.co.uk Christchurch Living Advent Calendar www.christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk The Ducking Stool www.elfandelf.com Soho www.soholifestyle.co.uk MAW www.mawchristchurch.com Hatch Gallery www.hatchgallery.co.uk
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