Ringwood launches Winter Wanderland at Christmas lights switch-on event while Fordingbridge also gets in festive spirit
AN unexpected downpour failed to dampen people’s festive spirits at Ringwood’s annual Christmas lights switch-on celebration.
Locals and visitors turned out in droves over the weekend to enjoy the town’s market, live music, grotto and walkabouts by circus performers.
As in previous years, Ringwood Town Council launched its unique ‘Winter Wanderland’ – a series of festive activities that “celebrate the town’s community spirit” and encourage visitors and shoppers to explore.
The High Street was buzzing with more than 70 market stalls offering seasonal gifts and treats, with an art installation in Gateway Square adding an extra touch of magic.
Crowds cheered as Father Christmas arrived in his sleigh, followed by stilt-walking fairies, giant unicycle-riding toy soldiers, and tinsel-clad acrobats of the Steamship Circus.
Town mayor Cllr Rae Frederick said: “We want to thank our volunteers from across the community and our sponsors for your support. We could not do it without you.”
Some 35 shops, businesses, and organisations are taking part in this year’s Christmas window decoration competition. A Winter Wanderland map has been created so town visitors can see all the displays and vote for their favourite. Voting is open now and the winners will be announced in the new year.
A town council spokesperson said: “Families can also join in the festive fun with the Ringwood Reindeer Ramble around the centre of town – Santa’s nine reindeer have gone missing, and he needs help tracking them down.
“Explore the town, complete the activity sheet, and find all of Santa’s reindeer hiding in local shops and businesses’ windows. It’s a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit.”
Once the activity sheet is complete, it can be handed in at Ringwood Gateway or posted through the letterbox to be entered into a draw to win prizes.
The town council thanked multiple town businesses for providing prizes, with the competition winners will be announced in the new year.
Copies of the Winter Wanderland window decorations map and the Reindeer Ramble activity sheet can be downloaded at ringwood.gov.uk/events/ringwood-winter-wanderland or picked up from Ringwood Gateway.
Fordingbridge has also been lit up for the festive season. Townsfolk gathered at Roundhill car park last Friday to meet Santa in his grotto, as well as as his reindeer, and to enjoy fairground rides, live music and food stalls before the big lights switch-on.
