The weather grew colder on Saturday night with a festive chill filling the air, right on cue for the annual Faversham Christmas Lights switch on ceremony. Crowds gathered in the market-place excitedly waiting for Father Christmas (who must be extremely busy at this time of year!). The build-up began earlier in the day with local schools and bands taking turns singing traditional songs and carols to commence the festive celebrations. Throughout the day traditional stalls were greeted by eager locals soaking up the afternoon’s atmosphere. By the time Father Christmas appeared on stage, families and friends huddled together, completely filling the area so if you hadn’t arrived in time you’d have to strain your neck to get a glimpse of the jolly fellow in red and white. Children sat on shoulders and stood on tiptoes grinning from ear to ear. Some looked almost in disbelief that Father Christmas had come to greet them in Faversham (or perhaps they were worried that they might be on the naughty list!).
Father Christmas addressed the crowd from the stage, joined by the Faversham Mayor and two drawing competition winners to help with the switch on. It was clear that most of the children were bursting with anticipation when the countdown finally began. The crowd counted down from 10 with great gusto, appearing to get louder and louder with each number - 3,2,1 and … only a few lights flicked on, so the countdown began all over again! The lights not switching on at the first attempt has been such a usual occurrence over the years that I think it is now considered a tradition, and people would probably be disappointed if they did turn on at the first go.
The lights (when they finally switched on) shone almost as brightly as the little children’s smiles, whose eyes reflected the joyful colours of the display they gazed at in awe. The high street and side roads, dotted with smaller Christmas trees and other decorations adorning the buildings, led the way with strings of lights criss-crossing the roads to the market-place where the main Christmas tree with its shining star and canopy of lights created a dazzling centrepiece in the middle of the square. The majority of funding for this spectacular show comes from generous donations by the public, and it could not be done without the dedicated volunteers who give up several weekends to put up this magnificent display. But the festivities didn’t finish here. There was also incredible entertainment for adults too, with live music buzzing throughout the evening as the Christmas market opened. Smells of mulled wine and hot chocolate filled the air, luring you in as you walked around the festive stalls selling ideal gifts for stocking fillers and more. People wrapped up in winter coats and scarfs lined the streets, queuing for craft beers and burgers on sale so no one had to rush home to cook!
Festivals lighting up the darkness have been celebrated for millennia in lots of different cultures, from yule logs in honour of Norse Gods to Diwali lamps in India. Whatever the reason behind the celebration, I think it’s great to have a reason to join together with people within our community and have some festive fun. My dad has talked about his fond memories of this same light ceremony growing up, and it makes me feel warm inside knowing that I’m part of the same celebration and traditions that my dad attended when he was a small child and still does attends as big child! I can’t think of a more fitting setting than this medieval town. It may be small in size but its wholesome community spirit never fails to kick-start the Christmas season!
