Crawley Borough Council has really pushed the boat out to give residents and visitors a very merry festive period this year.
Last weekend, we were delighted to host free events for our residents. For the first time the town hall became a public theatre for all the family to enjoy with a production of pantomime favourite Jack and the Beanstalk.
Over in County Mall, we had two days of a free laser show, Solstice. In total around a thousand people attended!
We also held our annual Christmas Lights switch on in late November, where hundreds flocked to Queens Square for carol singers, entertaining elves and our Mayor Sharmila switched on the Christmas Tree lights with Father Christmas.
This year you may have noticed the Council has enhanced the Christmas lights displays in the heart of the town centre. We recognise just how important the Christmas shopping period is to businesses and we want to provide a good quality Christmas lights display to give shoppers a lift. We also have a truly excellent first which is the lighted Crawley sign hanging from the Pavilions building which adds real vibrancy to the display.
Tilgate Park is carrying on the festive cheer once again with its Magical Christmas event in the beautiful Walled Garden. The remaining days are 20th to 23rd December, between 10am and 6pm, when the park will be buzzing with holiday spirit.
Entry is free, including access to the daily shows and entertainment and market stalls. There’s also funfair rides, an escape room, and the star of the show – Storytime with Santa!
Tilgate Park isn’t just a Christmas wonderland – it’s a year-round family favourite with its amazing zoo and beautiful spaces. But during these festive days, it’s extra special, packed with happy faces and a fantastic atmosphere. Families may be interested to know that the fun fair at the Walled Garden is staying into the new year as well so plenty of reasons to visit over the Christmas break.
The Christmas Fayre, in Queens Square, facilitated by the Council, is full of gift and food stalls until 23rd December, open daily from 10am and 6pm. And the competition for the best Christmas lights on a residential home in Crawley Borough is due to be judged by the Mayor, with three donated cash prizes!
All in all, we’re delighted to host these fun and frequently free events for our residents, and next year is set to be packed full of activities too. Merry Christmas!
Cllr Michael Jones
Leader, Crawley Borough Council