On Friday 22 November, 5pm to 8pm, Andover town centre will be filled with festive fun as the annual Christmas Festival is set to return.
Families can look forward to an evening sprinkled with entertainment, which has been organised by Test Valley Borough Council, InAndover from Andover BID and Andover Town Council.
The High Street will be a hive of activity offering fairground games and rides. The Guildhall stage, compered by Luis Wyatt and Alun Grace, will present a jam-packed lineup of local acts, from choirs and dance schools to live bands.
At the top of the High Street, visitors will be enchanted by a mystical Snow Queen in the Living Snow Globe. She will be performing her wondrous act at 5.15pm, 6.15pm and 7.15pm.
Inside the Chantry Centre, visitors can look forward to a range of children’s activities. There will be free face painting and families can watch interactive storytelling and Christmas magic shows in the unit next to Andover Library.
The centre’s Christmas grotto will also be opening its doors for the first time this year, located opposite Boswell’s seating area. Tickets cost £5 per child and include a festive gift. Anyone unable to visit the grotto on the night can look forward to coming another time, as Father Christmas and the elves will be coming back to Andover on select dates throughout November and December, details of all dates and times can be found at thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk
At Town Mills Riverside Park, Ben Tuffin from Andover Radio will be hosting live music acts on stage throughout the evening, followed by a Christmas Disco where everyone can join in the fun and show off their best moves.
There will be another opportunity to meet Father Christmas next to the Town Mills car park, and pose for a photo, with any funds kindly donated going to the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.
A range of street food will be available to buy throughout the park, with stalls offering freshly cooked dishes such as crepes, nachos and hot and cold drinks, and Riverside Café will be serving mulled wine and scrumptious mince pies.
Those looking to start their Christmas shopping can head to the night market along Bridge Street, where local businesses will be selling a range of goods such as candles, fudge, handmade jewellery and toys. There will be more live entertainment to enjoy throughout the evening from the Bridge Street stage nearby.
At 7pm the town will be lit up from outside the Guildhall, with the Mayor of Andover Town Council, Cllr Neate switching on the lights with a helping hand from Father Christmas.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North said: “The Christmas Festival is always such a treat for the town. There really is something for all ages to come along and enjoy as we head into the festive season.
“We’ve got some fantastic music and dance acts performing this year and lots of local businesses coming along, so it’s a really great opportunity to support them and celebrate all that we have in and around Andover. I would also like to thank the Town Council for providing the town’s Christmas lights.”
Andover BID Manager, Shelley Coburn, said: “The Christmas Festival has become a firm favourite in the town centre events calendar. It’s so lovely to see the whole town literally light up with entertainment and activities. Many of the businesses will be opening late for all your Christmas shopping opportunities. Lots of coffee shops and cafes will be providing additional seasonal treats, and restaurants and pubs will be open for long after the event finishes, so why not make a full night of it!”
Full details about the event, and timings for all of the stages and activities can be found at www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk
Friday 22 November, 5pm to 8pm.