Christmas Festival countdown

The response has delighted Bexhill Promotions Group, organisers of next Saturday's festival.

For the group, Brian Storkey said it was hoped to build on the success of last year's first festival, which brought large crowds of Christmas shoppers into the town centre.

Speaking after the success of last Friday's switch-on ceremony for the town's new 93,000 festive lights, Mr Storkey said: "I think the lights are going to give this year's festival added atmosphere."

He said: "There will be entertainment from 1pm all over the town on December 14.

"There will be a funfair for children up to eight in the De La Warr Pavilion car park.

"We will have a marquee in the Marina gardens opposite the end of Devonshire Road with live bands such as Lucky Strike.

"The Morgan Train will be offering rides around the town throughout the festival.

"The parade will move off from opposite the Sailing Club at 4.30pm and process around the town. It is due to return to the De La Warr Pavilion at about 5.15pm.

"From there on the De La Warr Pavilion take over. They are arranging entertainment on the pavilion terrace. This will be followed by the launch of their Christmas show, Peter Pan."

Bradley Bear, symbol of the Making Bexhill Better campaign, will again be featured in local shops throughout the Christmas shopping promotion. Mr Storkey said there had been record entries for the Christmas shop window competition.