Despite the cancellation of the hugely popular Brightlingsea Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints' Church this year, the festival committee has created a Covid-friendly event that everyone can take part in - the Brightlingsea Christmas Lights Trail. The trail will start at All Saints' with a display in the churchyard, taking in the lights in shops around the High Street and Victoria Place, and end at the Hard where you'll find even more specially-made illuminations.
We've had a great response. Over 100 residents have added their lights to the Trail – everything from illuminated Christmas trees, decorated windows, flashing Santas and spectacular snowmen. Using the map below you can make up your own route around the town, but it might take some time to see them all! Down at the Hard you'll find a collection of specially-made lights on, plus Santa (sadly not a real one) in Grotto by the Colne Yacht Club.
The lights on the Hard will be shining after dusk from Saturday, December 5, until January 2. Visitors are reminded to adhere to Covid restrictions by staying in family groups and observing social distancing. The grotto will be on show day and evening under the Yacht Club, though if the weather is bad, Santa may take shelter. Parking in the Oyster Tank Road car park is recommended, particularly as there are some high tides expected in the middle of the month! The lights at All Saints' churchyard will be on over the the weekends of December 12 & 13 and 19 & 20, completing a Trail that will run from one end of town to the other.
You can also find information about the Trail and other events, including the Advent Windows displays, in the Brightlingsea at Christmas guide, which has been delivered to all households in the town. If you haven't had one, you can download a copy here.
Virtual Christmas Tree Festival & Competition
If you're missing the Christmas Tree Festival and the decorated trees – you can still see them on Brightlingsea Info. We've moved the usual competition online – find out more and enter your trees here. The online festival is helping to raise funds for the redevelopment work at All Saints' Church and if you'd like to make a donation, click the button below.