Winchester BID launch ‘local hero campaign’ for Christmas lights switch on

Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) has launched the fourth search for a ‘local hero campaign’. The winner will switch on this year’s Christmas lights on Thursday, November 17.

The light-up event will kickstart Winchester’s festive season, attracting more than 10,000 spectators.

A hero could be anyone from a favourite teacher, a community champion to a local fundraiser who deserves some recognition for what they do.

Last year, 10-year-old Lily received the highest number of local hero votes since the campaign launched. Those nominating Lily praised her continuous fundraising efforts and bravery during her cancer diagnosis.

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Lily’s headteacher, Jackie Sankey, said: “She is an amazing young lady who has battled cancer so bravely since December last year and raised over £25,000 for charity. As her headteacher at Harestock Primary School, I am so proud of her courage and determination. A true inspiration at only 10 years old. Amazing!”

The annual Winchester Christmas Lights Switch On will have a main stage in The Broadway outside the Guildhall, with live entertainment from 4-7pm. The countdown will commence just before 6pm, as the heroes take centre stage to light up the city.

Winchester BID manager Sarah Davis said: “We are delighted to be coordinating the switch on festivities again this year. A big thank you to the event sponsor Dutton Gregory. This will be a fun-filled, community event that brings together the entire city of Winchester. It is also the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on local community heroes, which is why we will be searching for well-deserving local people to help switch on this year’s Christmas lights.

“On the night, we will be encouraging the public to get involved with the celebrations on social media too, to tag their photos and posts with #FestiveWinch and #WinchLights so we can repost and share the fun.”

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Returning this year, in addition to the main stage, Santa’s sleigh and the big screen in The Broadway and a giant inflatable snow globe. The charity snow globe outside the City Museum will be open to visitors from noon to help raise funds for The Winchester Beacon and Trinity Winchester.

To find out more and to keep up to date with further details, follow #WinchLights, #FestiveWinch and @WinchesterBID on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.