Big crowds give festive cheer at Stubbington Christmas extravaganza

Martha Jess six, Max Shepherd, four, and Tommy Jess, four

Picture: Habibur Rahman — Martha Jess six, Max Shepherd, four, and Tommy Jess, four Picture: Habibur Rahman

Stubbington Green was a sea of red hats as a large crowd turned up to see the dazzling lights turned on the village’s Christmas tree.

The smell of mince pies and mulled wine was accompanied by the sound of carols and festive cheer at the event on Saturday.

A pipe and thistle band kick-started the festivities as rain began to pour down on the green.

The crowds were not to be deterred as Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage judged a fancy dress competition before Fareham’s mayor, Councillor Connie Hockley turned on the lights to raucous cheers.

Stubbington Traders, Crofton Lions, Crofton churches and local councillors organised the free event.

Michael and Christine Rowsell from Gosport enjoyed the festivities.

Michael said: ‘It’s a great event as it really gets everybody into the Christmas spirit.

‘It is very special and for me, Stubbington always puts on a good show. There’s a great community spirit here.’

Following the light switch-on, a carol service then took place, before a Christmas raffle draw and then a visit from Father Christmas.

Sarah and Mark Simmons, brought along their son, Finley, four, for the event.

Finley said: ‘I really liked the drums from the band and I can’t wait to see Santa.’

Sarah, from Stubbington, said: ‘It is great to have an event like this here. It feels like we are now on the final stretch to Christmas.

‘It is lovely to see so many people come out for it.

Mark added: ‘It just shows you the community spirit here that so many people are here despite the rain.’