The secrets behind Winchester’s Christmas market

Winchester is consistently named one of the best cities in the UK for Christmastime activities – from the Christmas market, to the bright lights which illuminate the streets in winter, it certainly has its share of the holiday spirit.

Winchester BID manager Sarah Davis says that organising the city’s Christmas market can start two years in advance.

One of the biggest decisions, however, is who switches the lights on.

Ms Davis explains that choosing a local hero is one of the most interesting parts of preparing for the holiday season.

She says that, even if it is officially a city, Winchester to her feels much more like a village.

Last November, George Hatt, was one of Santa’s helpers to light up the city.

He had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, and sadly passed away earlier this year.

But his legacy lives on – HATTs off to George, led by his sister Jess, still campaign for multiple local charities.
Jess told WINOL that turning the lights on showcased the “astonishing” amount of support from the community and reflected the spirit of Christmas.

“It also helped raise a lot of awareness for George and our campaign,” she said, “We were so well supported by Winchester BID and Johnny [Meah] from Heart Radio.”

Every year, the local hero who switches on the lights is nominated by the residents of Winchester, and is often someone who has done great charity work, or, like George, have a “wish to make people happy”.

This year, Johnny Meah is back again to host the event, with Terry Young (a popular high street poppy seller) and Pat Bloor (a fundraiser for Winchester Hospice) switching on the lights.