We are delighted to reveal that not one but two real-life super heroes, Zoe Collyer of Chichester and Trevor Ware of Tangmere, will do Chichester the honour of switching on the Christmas lights on Saturday 26 November 2022 after being selected as winners of our ‘Light Up Chichester’ competition.
Our now annual competition called for nominations from the public of local champions who have made a real difference over the last 12 months and deserve recognition. We received over 50 nominations and the winners were chosen by a panel of three judges: Helen Marshall, CEO and Chair of Chichester BID, Doug Price of The Rotary Global Hub and Alex Berry of V2 Radio.
Meet Zoe
Zoe Collyer was nominated by several people for the work she has done this year in welcoming and supporting Ukrainian families to Chichester, including setting up a free clothes shop in her home and organising free SIM cards to help get them settled.
Zoe says: “It’s been a real pleasure getting to know the Ukrainian people that have joined our community here in Chichester. It’s been a privilege to have met these amazing people. I’m lucky to be able to call so many of them friends now and our family has also increased by one as we have 18-year-old Lera living with us now. She really is a very special part of the family. I couldn’t have done any of it without the help of Susan Mowbray of Little London Boutique, Leila and Sophie of Re:Dress Chichester and Samantha Dallaway for the use of her van. It would be an honour to help turn on the Christmas lights and I hope many of my new friends will be there to cheer me on.”
Meet Trevor
Trevor Ware also received multiple nominations from the public for his dedication to the village of Tangmere including the welcome he has given to Ukrainian families to the community. Trevor also received nominations for his fundraising work and services to the spirit of Christmas, bringing joy to so many children across the district in his role as Chichester Father Christmas.
Trevor says: “I am honoured to be nominated with Zoe Collyer for the local hero award. The heroes, however, are the villagers of Tangmere who have responded so generously by giving clothes, food and donating household items by the bag load for families leaving their homes through abuse and those from escaping the war in Ukraine. Also, to all the children who visited Father Christmas over the past 20 years in the grotto at Sadlers Walk and later on the sleigh behind Marks and Spencer – without your support, we would not have been able to raise money for local children’s charities.”
What time will the lights be switched on?
The Christmas Light Switch On will take place on Saturday 26 November and features a brand new scheme of lights that will be switched on at 5pm. There will also be carols, live music and a lantern procession. Click here for the exact timings for the event.
What about the energy crisis?
In response to the current energy crisis, the Christmas lights will be illuminated daily from 3pm until 11.45pm, which is expected to cut down the energy output by approximately half. The new light displays feature green garlands weaved throughout the scheme, making the lights look wonderful even when unlit.
Click here to find out about more festive fun in Chichester city centre.