Arundel hosts month of festive fun and entertainment

Whether it’s watching carol singers under the resonating arches of the cathedral, cosying around a hog roast with a glass of mulled wine, following the live nativity in the candlelight procession, unearthing unique and ethical Christmas presents or buying scrumptious local foods; there is something for everyone in Arundel this Christmas.

Highlights in the festive calendar include:

Saturday December 4 - The Rotary Club of Arundel’s ‘Spirit of Christmas’

Between 3–6pm, celebrate the ‘Spirit of Christmas’ in Arundel’s historic town centre, with singing and dancing from the Sompting Village Morris Dancers and the Sompting Tipteers, a Mummers drama group who will be performing a Christmas musical with a twist. Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies under the mistletoe while helping to raise funds for charity. At 5pm the Duchess of Norfolk will officially switch on the Arundel Christmas lights and illuminate the town’s Christmas tree, which for the first time will be cut from the Norfolk estate.

It’s free to attend with free parking available in the town centre car parks, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. For more information please visit: http://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/homepage.asp?ClubID=1435

Saturday December 11 – ‘Arundel by Candlelight’

From 1pm, the historic streets of Arundel will close to traffic to accommodate the thousands who annually attend the renowned ‘Arundel by Candlelight’ celebration.

Make lanterns from recycled glass jars at workshops during the day before joining the evening lantern procession led by a nativity procession. Throughout the day be entertained by a variety of acts including The Littlehampton Academy Steel Band, whilst shopping at over 30 independent shops, galleries and boutiques offering unique gifts and quality service. Children can enjoy traditional Victorian rides including the chair-o-plane and hook-a-duck in Tarrant Square and meet Father Christmas to receive gifts. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies or settle down in one of the many cosy Arundel eateries.

Free parking is available on Mill Road (Castle) car park, the Lido car park and also Crown Yard car park. Some road restrictions apply. For more information please visit: www.arundel.org.uk

Saturday December 18 - Arundel Christmas Farmers’ Market

A special Christmas edition of the Arundel Farmers’ Market will be held around the town square where you can buy all your festive season foods, fresh and locally sourced. For more information please visit: www.arundel.org.uk

Festive Outdoor Swims

The Arundel Lido will be specially opened for free festive swims on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, so grab a towel and experience the chill. Parking is free. For more information please visit: http://www.arundel-lido.com/

Cultural events this period include:

Saturdays 4th & 11th December - The Arun Choral Society Carol Concert at Arundel Cathedral

At 7pm, join the 120 member Arun Choral Society and local primary schools for two carol concerts with selected readings under the impressive arches of Arundel Cathedral. Tickets are £7.00 or £2.00 for under 18s and available on 01798 831234. Free parking is available on London Road. For more information please visit: http://www.arunchoralsociety.co.uk/

Wednesday 8th – Saturday 11th December - The Drip Action Theatre Company’s ‘The Colossus Hanging Mausoleum of Zeus’s Great Lighthouse Temple’

From Wednesday through to Saturday, The Drip Action Theatre Company will perform seven newly commissioned plays based on the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World at the Victoria Institute on Tarrant Street.

Tickets are £9 (£8 Victoria Club Members, £5 students) in advance and are available from the Arundel Information Centre on 01903 882268. This year’s Christmas production is sponsored by Pallant of Arundel and ticket prices include festive refreshments. Performances start at 8pm with free parking available on London Road. For more information please visit: http://www.dripaction.co.uk/

And also:

Jazz performances at the Arundel Jazz Club: www.thevictoriainstitute.org/whatson/arundel-jazz-club; Folk at the Arundel Football Club: www.willowsfolkclub.org/; Comedy in the cells of the Arundel Jailhouse: www.arundeljailhouse.co.uk/arundel-jailhouse-whats-on.html; and several Gallery Trail artists opening their studios to the public on 11th December 11.

For more information on all festive shopping, leisure and cultural events in Arundel this December please visit: www.arundel.org.uk