Haywards Heath Christmas Festival and lights switch on in pictures

Some very special guests joined town mayor Jim Knight and the Middy's Gina Stainer to turn on the festive lights on Saturday.

Charlie, George, Lorenzo and Maisey were all nominated by family and friends in response to our appeal to find deserving children to join us for the festive celebrations.

They were all delighted to be chosen and, with their parents, met in The Orchards ready to join the fabulous parade, featuring Father Christmas and his reindeer, a marching band, dancers, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Donald and Daisy Duck.

The shopping centre was at the centre of the festivities all weekend, with fabulous entertainers, dancers, singers and musicians providing seasonal cheer for the audience and shoppers.

A spokesman for Haywards Heath Town Council said: "So many of you joined in the festive spirit of the Haywards Heath Christmas Festival at The Orchards in Haywards Heath this weekend.

"Santa and all his friends were on hand and the Mayor and Gina from the Mid Sussex Times, together with four brave young children, did the big count down and switched on the Christmas for all.

"Thank you to everyone who provided such fun and magical Christmas entertainment Ariel Drama Academies, Ensemble Reza, Dance with Emily, the local bands, school choirs and so many more.

"Thank you also to the wonderful community of Haywards Heath who took part in the parade."

Manager of The Orchards Nicola Bird said: “The Orchards Centre Management Team are delighted that the festival was such a spectacular event, generating a footfall of over 30,000.

“The drizzle didn’t stop people coming out in their droves. We are so grateful to all our amazing friends and entertainers who made the event such a success.

"Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all of them. It astounds us just how much local talent we have in Haywards Heath and Sussex.

“Thank you also to all our customers for continuing to support The Orchards, and our incredible contractors, who delivered above and beyond and for their continued commitment over the years, making them part of The Orchards family.

“We’d like to wish all of our customers a fantastic Christmas and thank them for taking the time to give us such wonderful feedback, following the event.”