The festive season officially began on Friday as Whitehill & Bordon’s annual Christmas lights switch-on drew crowds into the heart of the town.

Whitehill Town Council funds the displays each year, with lights brightening Chalet Hill, the upper High Street, Petersfield Road and the trees near Sacred Heart Church, along with the familiar council stag outside Signal.

Deputy town mayor Cllr Linda Delve, local MP Greg Stafford, and council leader Cllr Andy Tree led the countdown and pressed the button to illuminate the displays.

As the festive feeling glowed through the town, Bordon’s Sacred Heart Pipe Band struck up a set of Christmas carols.

A Christmas extravaganza filled the area with gift stalls, food and drink, activities for children, mulled wine and mince pies.

Father Christmas, arranged by Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust, greeted families, and visitors enjoyed a nativity scene complete with donkeys.

Cllr Delve said: “It was exciting for me to switch the Christmas lights on this year as deputy town mayor. Let us all make sure our good work continues to make our community strong and vibrant. Above all, let our kindness shine through into 2026.”

Cllr Tree added: “As a town council, we are thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout for the Christmas lights switch on – an event we introduced in 2021 and have built on with partners.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success, including town council staff, Sacred Heart Church and Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust.”

With the lights now glowing across the town, the council is encouraging residents to support local businesses throughout the festive season.

Whitehill Town Council thanked Whitehill & Bordon Community Trust and Sacred Heart Church for helping to bring the event together, and also thanked Mr Stafford for attending.