Berkhamsted Festival of Light

Berkhamsted Living Magazine Festival of Light Mrs Claus and her elves

Berkhamsted Town Council is pleased to announce that The Berkhamsted High Street will be preparing for Christmas in the month of November with many retailers hoping to win the coveted, Berkhamsted Citizens Association, Best Dressed Christmas Window Display. Judging will take place the week before the Festival of Light, which takes place on Sunday 25 November.

The festivities will start at 3.30pm when the High Street will be lined with a variety of festive fayre, craft, mulled wine and, of course, mince pies from both charity and commercial stalls together with children’s rides and an appearance from the Fire Brigade inviting children to take a peek inside their Fire Engine!

Entertainment includes a chance to hear from Lockers Park School Choir, Rock Chorus and the Gobstoppers children’s choir. At the time of going to press we are also hoping that the London Gospel Choir may also be able to attend.

Mrs Claus will be making sure that all the children entering her posting house at the Civic Centre can write, crayon or design a special message to Father Christmas from 3.30pm to 6.00pm. Entry to the Posting House is £2.50 per child whilst adults go free, there is even a chance to have an elf biscuit and juice and meet Mrs Claus’ Chief Elf.  All funds raised at the Posting House will go towards the nominated Westfield School PTA charity, which this year is the Keech Hospice, which provides care for children and adults.

The amazing Ashlyns Samba band will be leading the way for Father Christmas and his sleigh will arrive just after the lights switch on at 5.15pm and don’t forget there is will be  St Peter’s Candlelit Stillness in the church from 6pm

There’s even free parking at the Station!

Thanks go to Community Action Dacorum, The Berkhamsted Chamber of Commerce, Berkhamsted Citizens Association, Berkhamsted Rotary Club, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer for their support and contributions. Tesco and in previous years London Midland have very generously provided free parking on the day and we are hoping they will agree the same for this year.

Timings For the Day (approximate except start and finish times):

  • The Festival of Lights 3.30pm to 6.00pm
  • Best Dressed Window Display – 5.00pm
  • Blessing from Father Tim Pilkington
  • Lights switch on – 5.15pm
  • Father Christmas arrives

If you miss out seeing Father Christmas at the Festival of Light then the Rotary will be taking him around the streets of Berkhamsted during December. See the full itinerary. Outings and routes may be subject to change. Visit their Facebook page from 1st December for the latest updates:

https://www.facebook.com/BerkhamstedRotaryClub

For information regarding stalls at the Festival of Light please contact Louise Cecil: louise@communityactiondacorum.org.uk