Lyme Regis: Get into the Christmas spirit at lights switch-on

 ORGANISERS are encouraging the Lyme Regis community to get into the Christmas spirit for the big lights switch-on this Satur-day.

The annual lantern parade through Broad Street and the lighting up of the town's tree will kick off the festive period.

In the following weeks leading up to Christmas, every Friday will be late night shopping to encourage residents to support their local businesses and bring in people from elsewhere to shop in the town.

Events start at 3pm on Saturday with a free lantern-making workshop for children at the Baptist Church.

All the entries – made at home or at the workshop – will be judged in nine categories at 4.30pm, with the Starlight Cup awarded to the best entry from the workshop and the Lymelight Cup going to the best overall entry.

The Lyme Regis Majorettes will lead the lantern parade from the Baptist Church at 5.15pm, and Father Christmas (Dave Causley) will be going via fire engine.

Town Mayor Sally Holman and Christmas Lights Committee chairman Barbara Austin will turn on the lights at the Shambles, Broad Street, at 5.30pm.

Mrs Austin said: "It should be a good evening and I hope for good weather.

"It's a good start to Christmas and I hope people will turn out and support us.

"Although times are hard at the moment, hopefully it will put people in the Christmas spirit."

 She also praised the traders who have contributed to the display.

The initiative has been backed by a 2,000 Business Support Grant from West Dorset District Council, and Lyme Regis Town Council decided the money should be spent in this way.

A remaining 1,000 will help promote Lyme as a cruise ship destination.

Town councillor Rikey Austin, vice-chairman of the tourism and advertising sub-committee and owner of Alice's Bear Shop in Broad Street, is one of the lead organisers.

She said: "With the wonderful energy and ideas coming from our local businesses and an unbeatable setting we think we're at the beginning of a Christmas tradition that will grow and grow."

 Events adding to the festive atmosphere will include hot chestnuts for sale, carol singing, a ‘Spot the Reindeer' competition in show windows, performers from the Marine Theatre entertaining in the streets, and appearances from Father Christmas.

Traders will be decorating their shops and the best dressed window will be chosen by Town Mayor Sally Holman and win 100, to be judged on Friday December 23.

 LYME Regis Museum will be hosting a big lights switch-on of its own this Saturday.

A new lighting system has been installed and everyone is invited to see the museum's exhibits in a new light, with mulled wine and mince pies, from 6pm following the town's switch-on.