A TEST Valley village will get into the Christmas spirit with a Santa Dash and lights switch-on, with all proceeds donated to worthy causes.
Appleshaw will kick off its festive celebrations with a Christmas Lights Switch-on, taking place on Saturday, December 2, with Father Christmas turning on the lights on the tree at 5pm, followed by carols around the tree with Mad Melodies Pop and Rock Choir.
Entry to the lights switch-on is free, with opportunities to donate to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital at the event.
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The Christmas Lights Switch-on is sponsored by Pilgrim's UK Lamb, based in Tilleydown.
The following day, Sunday, December 3, will see runners dressed as Saint Nick, for the village's Santa Dash.
The dash is a family event consisting of a 3k route that is run/walked/jogged by entrants in Santa suits, or other Christmas-themed fancy-dress, starting and ending at the Walnut Tree pub.
The Santa Dash aims to raise money for the air ambulance and wildlife hospital through an entry fee, of £15 for adults (with a Santa suit) and £10 without.
The events have been organised by the Walnut Tree pub. Its community events team said: “We are very excited about this year's Santa Dash on 3rd December and Christmas Lights Switch-on on 2nd December.”
The Santa Dash took place last year, raising £3,744 for the Walnut Tree’s 2022 charity, Dementia UK.
Tickets for the Santa Dash can be purchased online at tickettailor.com/events/appleshawsantadash/1025844
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