Action packed Christmas fun planned for Birchington

Christmas fun Image by Couleur

Birchington is getting ready to host its ‘biggest and best’ Christmas event to date.

The Christmas light switch on, market and torchlight procession will all take place on December 8.

Station Road and Station Approach will be closed to traffic so the village can host the  Christmas market with stalls selling a variety of goods, along with street food, cakes and savouries and a huge array of gifts.

Live entertainment will take place both outside and in venues around the village – including Moments Duo at The Square and gypsy jazz inspired guitarist Thomas Abrahams appearing in the Seaview Hotel.

Popular children’s entertainer Reg. E. Mental will be on hand to amuse the younger ones, along with choirs, dance groups and even excerpts from A1 theatre group’s production of Cinderella.

Santa will be in his grotto on Dog Acre, next to the children’s Christmas storytelling tent. There’ll be supervised craft workshops for the children where they can make a lantern and then take part in the torchlight procession which will end with the official turning on of the lights in Dog Acre, followed by a carol concert accompanied by the Birchington Silver Band.

There’ll also be sideshows, a prize draw and lucky crackers. Children and adults alike can try and spot costumed characters in the village and stop them for a photo.

Look out for some princesses, Buttons and Dandini and Game of Thrones fans may be lucky in spotting some of their favourite characters.

Don’t forget to try the hog roast and  a glass of mulled wine! A Park & Ride system will be in place so that visitors can park at Minnis Bay and be shuttled up to the village and back. Stops will be by the crabbing pool, The Parade, Minnis Bay – St. Thomas Church – Sandle’s Road. Catch the bus back from Sandle’s Road.

Official programmes will be available in advance at shops throughout the village as well as on the day. The event runs from 11am – 5pm with the official opening at noon, led by the Viper Corps of Drums.