Honiton Christmas Tree Light Switch On was a Great Success!
Published: 24 November 2025
On Saturday 15th November, hundreds of excited townspeople flocked to Honiton Town Council’s inaugural Christmas Tree Lights Switch On event. After the demise of the Honiton Chamber of Commerce earlier in the year, HTC stepped in to ensure this popular town event would continue.
The fun kicked off at 4.30pm with carols from St Paul’s Church choir to set the festive mood, followed by a visit from popular Disney princesses with some theme tunes sung by Lydia Bailys. Townsfolk both young and old enthusiastically joined in all the singing.
This was followed by Honiton Town Band playing Christmas classics, as the excitement built. It was the ideal moment for some to pop across the road the visit the hot food stalls that attended for the evening.
At 5.30pm the new Town Crier Caroline Kolek performed her cry, followed by the vicar Reverend Tracey Voysey blessing the tree. Councillor Rob Sexton announced the winners of the shop Christmas Window Display competition: runner up was 4 You From Me, with the top prize being scooped by newcomers to the High Street, Honiton Hardware with their fabulous snowy scene of Christmas bears.
The Deputy Mayor Lucy Wakefield then had the task of announcing the prestigious title of Honitonian of the Year. This was awarded to Mark Rich by Honiton Town Mayor Andrew Pearsall. Mr Rich has spent the months since the demise of the Chamber of Commerce setting up Honiton Business Network (CIC), which currently has over 90 members. Mark also does the accounts for several local community groups as well as actively supporting the CUB and Honiton Carers Group.
Now it was time for the main event and with hundreds joining in the countdown, it was 3, 2, 1 and our Honitonian of the Year pressed the button and illuminated our beautiful tree. At nearly 30 foot we think it’s one of the best trees Honiton has ever had, and a big thank you to Combe Garden Centre for supplying it.
As the oohs and aahs fell away there was a burst of music and a tinkling of bells which heralded the arrival of Father Christmas and his elves in their illuminated sleigh. Father Christmas took up residence in his specially built grotto and met all the queuing families, posing for photographs and handing out gifts to every child. Waiting children enjoyed the music and snow and we hope all left happy and feeling festive.