Christmas comes early to Crowborough this year when the town holds its annual Christmas Cracker event on November 27th, where two of the stars of Cinderella, the pantomime at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, will be switching-on Crowborough’s Christmas lights.
Dani Harmer, who plays Cinderella, started her acting career at the age of six when she made her debut in The Who’s rock opera Tommy in the West End. A generation know Dani for her portrayal of Tracey Beaker, but others will remember her from reaching the finals of Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
Jamie Rickers, who plays Cinderella’s best friend Buttons, is a familiar face on CiTV and Nickelodeon, hosting Toonattik and Jamie and Anna’s U-Pick Summer.
Before the switch-on they’ll be plenty of entertainment for families. From 4pm until 6pm, Crowborough town centre will play host to over 25 stalls. They’ll also be street entertainers including Crowborough’s stilt walking fairy. Children will be also able to take a ride through the town centre on Lennie the Land Train and The Jon Hamilton Big Band will play the fabulous sounds of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington and Count Basie at the Piazza from 5pm.
No Christmas is complete without a visit to see Santa. Once again the Town Hall will be transformed into a magical grotto by The Guides. Crowborough Lions will help Santa with the final part of his journey from the South Pole into Crowborough. Santa’s Grotto will open at 3.30pm, 30 minutes earlier than the fair to accommodate young children.
Crowborough’s Christmas Cracker is turning into a real community affair. The choir from Ashdown School will be singing some festive favourites, and the Scouts will be selling hot dogs and burgers. They’ll also be a hog roast and pulled pork, and for those with a wanting something sweeter, they’ll be crêpes, doughnuts and other items will be on sale. Of course you may prefer to save your appetite and book a table at one of Crowborough’s restaurants or pubs after the switch-on.
Road closures in the town centre will take place from 1pm until 8pm to allow for setting-up and dismantling of stalls. The High Street, Croft Road (past Waitrose) and The Broadway down to the Town Hall will be closed to through traffic. Bus diversions will be in place.
The Crowborough Christmas Cracker takes place on Friday 27th November 2015 from 3:30pm – 6:00pm on Crowborough High Street and Croft Road, Crowborough, East Sussex and is a free event. Cinderella appears at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells from Friday 11th December to Sunday 3rd January 2016.
