aldeburgh christmas lights switch on: A Night of Lights and Laughter
Photography and story by Eliza Stephens
Aldeburgh’s Christmas Lights switch-on has battled rain and coastal November weather for years, and this year was no exception. The heavy rain and near-freezing temperatures were out in force, but so were the people.
“I began my adventure at dusk at the Memory Tree on Aldeburgh’s famous shingle beach. A full Christmas tree is placed here every year, its lights just beginning to twinkle as the daylight faded, standing stark against the backdrop of a rough North Sea and grey stormy clouds. Apart from two children screaming with joy and racing around it, the beach was empty, with only the wind for company.”
From here I headed to Aldeburgh High Street, once the traditional location for the Christmas lights celebration. The High Street shimmered with reflections from the shop’s Christmas displays, the pavements glistening but strikingly quiet. I could not work out where everyone had gone.
Taking refuge in my Thai Street Café, a smiling Lizzie informed me that the celebrations were now at the Moot Hall at the other end of town. Drenched and slightly amused, I set off again.
I arrived at the 15th-century Moot Hall, a historic timber-framed building right on the edge of Aldeburgh Beach. At first it seemed completely dark, but the sound of singing drifted through the wild winter weather as local singers performed festive songs.
Councillors dressed as Father Christmas, children running freely, and a huge black dog in a glittering Christmas collar and hat added to the evening’s rain-soaked charm. It was a really great evening.
“Despite the storm, the night carried that unmistakable Aldeburgh warmth, full of humour, resilience and genuine community spirit.“
Holiday Cottages near aldeburgh
