Hoburne Developments donation makes light work of Highcliffe Christmas illuminations

A LAST-MINUTE donation by Hoburne Developments means Highcliffe will twinkle this Christmas with thousands of glittering festive lights.

Highcliffe Action Team (HAT), which takes on the job of decorating the village for the festive period, were worried that they would have to leave the village unadorned this year as they did not have enough money to pay professional electricians to put up the decorations.

But the local firm stepped in and gave the group of businesses £500 so that Highcliffe could be lit up.

HAT said it had found the pandemic meant fundraising over the last 20 months has been a struggle, although they had managed to reach most of their target thanks to contributions by BCP Council and Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council.

Jane Dean, spokesperson for HAT, said: “Despite superb support from the local community which included collection tins around numerous shops and businesses, we still had a large shortfall in funds.

“We are so grateful to Hoburne Development for its continued compassion and support. Its last-minute donation addresses the shortfall and thereby enables the Christmas display to take place.”

Hoburne director Rosie Kennar said: “After the experience we have all had over the last two years, we all need some Christmas cheer to lift our spirits.

"Hoburne Development is delighted to be able to help to make Highcliffe sparkle at Christmas and we look forward to seeing our high street festooned in all its festive glory."

The main Christmas tree is once again being hosted in the car park of Tesco Express where, if Covid regulations allow, a switch-on ceremony will be held on 4th December with Tesco providing mince pies and hot chocolate.

Previous lights-on events have attracted crowds of up to 2,000.

More information about the Christmas lights can be found on #LoveHighcliffe’s Facebook page.