CHRISTCHURCH Town Council has announced University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) as the official charity partner for this year’s Christmas lights switch on.

Taking place on Saturday, November 23, the event will transform the town centre into a festive wonderland from 11am to 7pm, with the highly anticipated lights switch-on happening at 5pm.

All funds raised during the festivities will support UHD, helping to enhance the future emergency department and children’s health department in the new BEACH building at Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

As part of the BEACH appeal, the charity aims to raise funds for items that can make coming into the emergency department a less daunting experience for children, such as wall-mounted games, interactive screens, sensory spaces, and engaging toys to keep children occupied while they are waiting to be treated.

James Atkinson, acting town clerk, said: “Christchurch Town Council is thrilled to partner with UHD NHS Charity for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on and invites everyone to attend this fantastic festive celebration.

“By coming together as a community, we can spread holiday cheer while supporting an incredible cause.”

Funds raised by this year’s event will also fund similar enhancements for the indoor and outdoor play areas in our brand-new children’s health department to provide a break away from treatment.

UHD fundraising manager Jess Tyler said: “To be a part of such a popular event in Christchurch like this is amazing.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from everyone at Christchurch Town Council for the BEACH appeal. What better way to do it than by helping us 'sleigh' our fundraising goals with this year's beautiful lights.

“These additional items really can make a world of difference to our youngest patients. While these departments will be brand new and the emergency department will be bigger than ever before, there are ways we can further enhance these spaces to help transform healthcare across Dorset.

“We can’t do it alone and depend on our supporters and members of the public to join us in sharing this vision and helping us fundraise.

"Thank you to everybody who will be coming to the light switch on to celebrate this wonderful event with us.”