Winchester Christmas lights switch on by Winchester Hospice

Staff and volunteers from Winchester Hospice had the honour of switching on the lights this year, after winning a public vote. 

Thousands of people gathered in The Broadway for the big moment on Thursday. 

After the lights, which illuminate the Guildhall and High Street, were turned on Winchester Hospice clinical matron Donna Coombs said: “I feel honoured and privileged. I'm so incredibly proud of the team and what we've achieved this year. But for me, our heroes are the people we look after, they inspire me every day. But also the local community, who are my ultimate heroes because they are the people who have supported us with our charity to enable us to do what we're doing today. 

READ MORE: Ampfield village market returning next month

“The hospice has been open for two years now and in that time we've cared for more than 1,000 patients. It's really important to us to enhance the quality of care. It's about making sure our patients' needs are met and they feel supported. There are so many charity events we have been doing. My message to the community is 'come and join us'. 

“What was great at the switch-on was that it wasn't just the clinical team. There were nurses, healthcare assistants and lots of volunteers. I'm just so overwhelmed.”

The event features a range of local performers including: Harestock Primary School Choir, The Pilgrims’ School Chamber Choir, Winchester A Capella, Integr8 Dance, Theatre Royal Winchester, Spitfire Sisters, Rock Choir and Diva Academy.

Winchester BID executive director Paul Spencer said: “We run a Local Heroes competition every year and members of the public can vote for people that they think are doing really special things in our community. The hospice got a huge number of votes and the Winchester community wanted to see them up on that stage to celebrate all the great things they do. 

“This is the event that kickstarts Christmas in Winchester. We turn on the lights and have lots of local performers up on stage. The market then opens and that is the start of the festive season with lots going on until the big day on the 25th.”

People enjoyed the snow globe in The Square, with donations being made to Spare Change for Lasting Change, Winchester BID’s charity scheme which aims to help reduce street begging and rough sleeping in the city by supporting two local homelessness charities, Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Beacon.

See the Chronicle on Thursday November 23 for a photo special on the switch-on.