A forest of enchanted trees is set to spring up on the Milford on Sea village green next week, ahead of the official switching on of the festive lights. The Carols on the Green event returns this year on Friday 3rd December from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Village Shops will remain open until 7.30pm that evening and refreshments will be available from local businesses. A road closure from 4.30pm to 7.30pm (High Street; Boots to the Coastal Bakery) will be in place, with Marshalls diverting traffic accordingly.
A live band will perform from 5.30pm, followed by festive songs and then the Traditional Carol Service featuring local churches with music courtesy of The Total Voice Choir, from 6pm to 6.30pm.
This year’s main sponsor; Suzie from The Smugglers Inn, will officially switch on the Christmas lights at around 5.30pm that evening.
This year’s seasonal illuminations have been masterminded by Christmas loving duo Tracy Haupt and Diana Brushwood, who have been busy transforming Milford on Sea's village green since 2019 with support from local artists, crafting groups and volunteers.
This year Tracy and Diana have been working really hard to make sure the display is the most spectacular so far. The project has grown each year and is now a year round job, planning everything and getting organised for December.
Last year people loved the small forest of trees, but asked to see even more trees and more lights, so this has been the main focus of the vision for 2021’s display.
A collection of bicycle wheel wreathes will again be used to decorate the Sea Road bridge and hand crafted decorations will feature on benches, poles, litter bin tops, post box and telephone box and bollards.
Keen to add more to this year’s display, the ladies have added additional characters to the life-sized nativity scene with additional contributions from local artist Gillian Key and Richard Wadley another local artist, has kindly provided more of the hand-painted supersized greetings cards on The Smuggler’s Inn fence.
A village wide Nativity Story Trail is also set to be launched with a number of shops and businesses taking part. Families are encouraged to sign up to receive a trail map, which will enable them to track down the various characters from the nativity story, for the chance to claim a gift at the Christmas Eve Crib service. To take part, participants must sign up and register at the All Saints Milford on Sea Facebook Page (click here) or by contacting the church office on 01590 644992.
This year, Tracy and Diana have been thrilled to received such a great response from local businesses by way of sponsorship, and are grateful of the help from valuable volunteers. They send their thanks to everyone who has been involved.
Should anyone wish to make a donation, please visit the Milford Magical Christmas fundraising page: by clicking here. To date, donations are at £795 against a target of £1,000.
Enjoy a Magical Milford Christmas!
Magical Milford at Christmas
Tracy Haupt / Diana Brushwood
