Haddenham Festive Trail opened on Saturday 3rd December with a Countdown and "Switch On" that took place outside 6 Printers Piece, which was voted the most popular festive display last year. (If you have access to the Haddenham dotNet Facebook page, the switch-on was captured in a short video that has been uploaded to that platform).
Resident at No.6, Fiona Harding, said "We've had so many people coming by our house to say hello and tell us how lovely it is to see the Xmas spirit is still glowing from our house again this year".
Hopefully, many other households in the village will have joined in by switching on their lights at about 4.30pm on Saturday 3rd December and it is expected that many more will follow in the days and weeks to come.
The Festive Trail was first organised in 2020 during lockdown when none of the regular Christmas events could take place. The 2022 event is aiming to help raise funds for the recently launched "Hat and Boots Restoration Appeal", set up to restore Haddenham Baptist Church.
One of the Trail's organisers, Francesca Flaxton, said "There are 53 beautiful displays to enjoy around the village, mostly with lights, but also some lovely wreaths and other seasonal decorations. Some entries are from groups of neighbours, so we estimate that around 80 homes are taking part. And of course, many other households will also put lights up during December, so Haddenham promises to be full of light and joy!"
Festive Trail maps and a list of participants are now available – simply click on the relevant PDF featured on this page.
Due to escalating print costs, a limited number of printed paper Trail Maps will be available from Blooming Fruity and from 7 Dovecote. Voluntary donations are invited as follows:
1. Online here
2. By cash or cheque payable to Haddenham Baptist Church delivered to Blooming Fruity or 7 Dovecote
3. By bank transfer to Haddenham-cum-Dinton Baptist Church, Barclays Bank, Sort Code: 20-85-73, Account no: 20437956, Ref: Festive Trail 22
There will be an opportunity for everyone to vote for their 3 favourite displays. To vote, send the numbers and/or names of your 3 favourites by email to haddenhamfestivetrail@gmail.com or by text to 07763 551602 by 31st December.
There will be a prize for Haddenham's three favourites and photos of the three most popular displays will be featured on local social media in the New Year.
Francesca Flaxton
2nd December 2022
