Gosport's Christmas market and lights switch on set to sparkle

The festive season officially starts in Gosport with a spectacular Christmas lights switch on and market on Saturday 30 November, kicking off a whole month of High Street festivities.

From 10am, Gosport's High Street will be buzzing with free street entertainment, children's rides and activities, and over 60 market stalls offering festive treats and unique gifts.

There's live music and performers on stage all day, and Mark Collins from Greatest Hits Radio hosting from 3pm-7pm, with the Christmas lights switched on around 5.45pm.

And the switch on party is just the start. Every Saturday in December before Christmas (7, 14 and 21), there's free Christmas-themed children's entertainment in the High Street (Lawrence Square).

On each of the three Saturdays there's free go-karting and activities from the Craft Bus from Reilly Enterprise (both 10am-3pm), plus Twinkles face painting from 11am-3pm in Gosport Museum.

On top of that, each Saturday has its own unique line up of activities planned:

Saturday 7 December - street entertainment from Betty Twinkle Robin and Angie's Festive Funky Hoop show.

Saturday 14 December - meet the friendly Christmas Nutcracker, watch dinosaurs prowl and enjoy carols from Gosport Waterfront Baptist Church Choir.

Saturday 21 December - the popular giant snow globe returns for those great Christmas photos, plus entertainment including the gentle polar bear and snow queen, as well as more Christmas carols.

All the Christmas events are being put on by Gosport Borough Council, with Anchored in Gosport hosting the market and lights event on Saturday 30 November.

Leader Cllr Peter Chegwyn said:

"Our Christmas market and lights switch on really is the start of a whole month of festive fun in the High Street. I hope people turn out in force to support our local businesses which have lots of great present ideas.

"Our popular Saturday entertainment returns in December with some favourites, as well as lots of Christmas fun to get Gosport families in the festive spirit."

While the council will do its best to put on all the planned activities, circumstances such as bad weather and high wind may mean not all of the events can happen.

Published: 27 November 2024