The Rotary Club Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday 24th November

East Grinstead Rotary clubs Christmas Appeal  for 2018 started on Saturday 24th November with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in East Grinstead High Street. The ceremony took place outside Broadley Brothers in the High Street and the lights were switched on by the Town Mayor Councillor Rex Whittaker.

The following was the programme and timings for the event:

Timetable of events

2-30-3-00 pm
The “Town Crier”, Father Christmas and Pantomime Characters circulated the town announcing to the public that the Tree Lighting Ceremony was taking place outside Broadley Brothers in the High Street.

2-50 - 3-15pm

East Grinstead Concert Band commenced playing at 2-50pm building up to the Town Crier opening the ceremony at 3-15pm.

3-15pm Ceremony to commence

 The Town Crier introduced all the participants:

The Vicar of St. Swithun's church delivered his Christmas message

Sackville Junior Choir sang festive songs

Peter Pan Pantomime Characters made their contribution and advertised their pantomime at the Chequer Mead Theatre.

East Grinstead Concert Band  played the following Carols and a crowd of over 200 people joined in with communal singing

·        Hark the Herald Angels Sing

·        Silent Night

The Town Mayor switched on the Christmas tree lights at 4-00pm

East Grinstead Concert Band continued by playing 
·        Good King Wenceslas
·        O Come all Ye Faithful

4-15pm Conclusion The Rotary President brought the ceremony to a close by delivering his Rotary Christmas message