FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2024, 6PM
Celebrate the start of the festive season with neighbours, family and friends at Arundel’s Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Service. This annual service in the heart of our town gives us all a chance to gather together with the people who make our community so special.
Read on for what to expect
The evening will begin at 6pm with a short procession of the Mayor and Town Council, the Town Crier and the town’s churches and choirs, down the High Street to the Town Square.
The Mayor will announce the winner of the Arundel Community Awards and present the Community Cup before inviting the winner to switch on the Christmas Tree Lights.
This will be followed by the presentation of other awards – the Community Group Award and the Young Person’s Community Commendation – and The Freedom of Arundel will be given to a deserved resident of the town.
The combined choirs of our churches will lead the singing of carols during the short service conducted by Canon David Twinley of St Nicholas’ Parish Church, Fr Stephen Dingley of Arundel Cathedral and Pastor Jim Braddock of Arundel Baptist Church. Pupils from Arundel CE Primary and St Philip’s Catholic Primary will deliver the nativity reading.
The event will conclude with the Town Council’s 2024 ‘Reverse Father Christmas’ appeal. Donations will be gratefully received to support the work of one of the Mayor’s chosen charities, Home-Start Arun, Worthing & Adur with local families.
The event will end at approximately 7pm.
Keeping it Local
Please note, this is a community-led tree lighting and carol service—created by locals, for locals, with the help of our wonderful volunteers. There won’t be any commercial vendors, large attractions, or additional entertainment. This is a special time to enjoy the company of familiar faces and support one of the Mayor’s charities.
The tree lighting is timed for residents and visitors alike to enjoy afternoon shopping in the town at the many independent retailers and evening dining at the varied hospitality outlets. Shops and businesses will operate normal opening hours on this day.
Parking is available in the town’s main car parks – there will be no additional parking provided. A list of car parks can be found at https://www.visitarundel.co.uk/love-arundel/parking/
Bring a gift for our ‘Reverse Father Christmas’ appeal
Following the overwhelming generosity shown by the Arundel Community in previous years, Arundel Town Council are again working with Home-Start: Arun, Worthing & Adur to help families and individuals in need this Christmas.
Read more about the campaign here.
How you can donate on the night
Donate to our charity bucket collections
Donate a supermarket gift card to the value of your choice
Bring a donation of new and unwrapped everyday or festive food, toiletries, household goods or gifts for adults and children of all ages
Donations can be given to Father Christmas or one of his elves
You can also donate £10 directly to Home-Start to ‘give the gift of Christmas to a child in your community’ – https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/27032#!/DonationDetails
About Home-Start: Arun, Worthing & Adur
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. Arundel Town Council collect donations on their behalf for their volunteers to gift to local families in need. Home-Start tell us that:
£10 can provide a gift for a child who might otherwise go without
£45 can enable their volunteers to give parents practical and emotional support, to ease loneliness over the Festive period, provide presents for all supported children, Christmas food, essentials such as warm clothes/ bedding and spread a bit of Christmas magic for the children.
£100 can pay for the treat of a ‘Home-Start’ Christmas day out for some of their local families.
Thank you for helping us to help others this Christmas.
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