Melksham’s Christmas countdown begins

MELKSHAM is gearing up for Christmas in style with the town’s celebrated Christmas lights being put up and a wide range of events being planned.

This year’s lights are expected to be bigger and better than ever, with a few surprises. Organiser Paul Weymouth told Melksham Independent News, “We’ve been working on brilliant new ways to improve the lights and we have some great ideas that a lot of towns haven’t done before; Melksham will definitely stand out again this year!”

Tonight, Thursday 5th November, will see a fireworks display at Forest Community Centre to raise money for the Melksham Christmas Lights Group, whose members, all volunteers, are busy putting up the town’s lights in all winds and weathers.

The annual event kicks off a busy Christmas season in the town which includes the popular Christmas fayre in December and the free Christmas Day lunch in the Assembly Hall. Both events are organised by local volunteers to make it a special time of the year for everyone.

And as people begin thinking about Christmas,  local people are being urged to spend their money in the town, to support local traders and groups.

Mayor, cllr Terri Welch said, “Why not go into the town and discover what it has to offer. Pop into a shop which you perhaps have never been into before; I’m sure you will be amazed at what you can find.” Read the full story here.

There will also be Christmas cards with a difference available in the town. Unique Melksham-themed cards are on sale at Andy York Photography, with proceeds going to Melksham Christmas Lights Group.  Or for a wider selection, visit Melksham Tourist Information Centre where the fully-stocked Cards for Good Causes display has a huge range of cards from 32 charities, with all profits being donated directly.

Christmas in Melksham gets under way with the fireworks fundraiser tonight, Thursday 5th November. Gates open at the Forest Community Centre at 5pm; the bonfire will be lit at 7pm and the firework display is scheduled for 7.30pm.

This will be followed by a Winter Ale, Cider & Sausage Festival at Melksham Assembly Hall this Saturday 7th November from noon to 4pm. The afternoon event will be hosted by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust; entry costs £5.

The Christmas Fayre and lights switch on is on Saturday 5th December. The fayre will run from 2pm in the Market Place until the lights are switched on at 5pm outside the Town Hall.

Melksham Assembly Hall will again host the free Christmas lunch on Christmas Day, organised by the Core Church, with refreshments and carols from 11am, and lunch to be served at 1pm. All are welcome and transport can be arranged if necessary. For more information please click here.

For New Year’s Eve, the Assembly Hall has a Las Vegas Spectacular.

Melksham Choral Society will be hosting a ‘Candlelit Messiah’ on December 19th at the United Church, Melksham, with a performance of Handel’s Messiah sung by candlelight, with baroque instruments and great soloists.

Father Christmas is also coming to town in December thanks to Melksham Lions who have once again organised for Santa to visit various streets while Melksham Scout Group will also be organising their popular Christmas card delivery in Melksham during December. Watch out for details in Melksham News.