ANDOVER residents are invited to attend a very special event this November, as the Andover Christmas Festival launches the start of the festive season.

Taking place on Friday, November 25 from 3pm until 8pm, the event which has been organised by Test Valley Borough Council, InAndover from Andover BID and Andover Town Council will see the town centre packed with Christmas treats for all ages to enjoy.

Andover High Street and Bridge Street will be filled with live music throughout the evening with performances from local choirs, brass bands and musicians.

There will be a fantastic opportunity to start Christmas shopping at the special Christmas market featuring stalls from local businesses, and visitors can enjoy tucking into delicious street food, and sipping mugs of spiced mulled wine, craft drinks and hot chocolate.

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Leader of Test Valley Borough Council Cllr Phil North said: “I’m really pleased to announce our festive plans this year and I’m looking forward to celebrating Christmas in Andover. We have a great line up of activities, performances, food stalls and music in store for everyone to come and be a part of.

“With Riverside Park, the Chantry Centre and High Street offering something different there will be plenty for everyone to enjoy throughout the afternoon and evening. It’s a great time for us to come along after school or work and look forward to celebrating the festive season together.”

Fairground games will be popping-up along the High Street, giving friends and families the chance to try their hand at traditional stalls and games such as a ‘Christmas pudding shy’. 

Light projection shows and installations will illuminate the town as the sun goes down, including Andover’s Christmas Lights which will be officially switched on at around 6.30pm as part of the night’s celebrations.

Riverside Park at Town Mills will host a special theatre tent, featuring a magical production of Thumbelina, using traditional glove, rod and shadow puppets suitable for all the family. Places for these shows will be limited and details for advanced booking will be announced soon.

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Free face painting and glitter tattoos will also be on offer during the event, helping little ones to get into the festive spirit.

Inside the Chantry Centre the Christmas Grotto will open its doors once again, welcoming families and giving them to chance to meet Father Christmas and receive a special festive gift.

The Grotto will also reopen on select dates in the lead-up to Christmas.