December 2025 – Parish Council Chair’s Update
With thanks to Cllr Chris Cooper, Chair of Botley Parish Council for this month’s update about the council’s preparations for Christmas 2025.
The Christmas Lights in the High Street are now up. Courtesy of the crew at Botley Fire Station and assisted by Dave Bastable (Botley Parish Senior Groundsman). My thanks to the residents and businesses that host the electric points.
This winter is going to be different because we are keeping the High Street lights on until February 2026. This is an experiment, so we welcome comments. Success criteria to see if we do it next year will be based on the cost of keeping the lights on for two months, as well as resident and business feedback.
Why this change? January like December is a dark month and the lights bring a little bit of joy. I was inspired by my time working in the French Alps, where ski resorts keep the streets illuminated all through the winter season. So why not do this in Botley?
Having well-lit streets brought folk out as it created a safe space to enjoy yourself. My thinking here is it may do the same for Botley. This is good for our businesses and our community.
Additionally, with the shift to LED lights the power consumption is massively lower (by a factor of 10!). Which makes keeping the lights on for 24 hours over 62 days now affordable both from a cost and carbon perspective. Plus, Botley looks fantastic dressed for winter and it brings the smiles out.
The Christmas tree will be turned off as per tradition by the 6th January.
The next part of our Christmas 2025 plan is Carols in the Square on the 14th December. Please remember the High Street will be closed from 1300 to 1800.
We have Southampton Grad Band, All Saints Choir on the stage in the High Street from 1400 (2pm). This year we will have the song sheets made available online. Look out for the QR codes or follow this link Carols 2025 – Botley Parish Council
We have a market in the High Street and traders in the Market Hall from 1400 (2pm) – but maybe earlier. Our pubs and bars are going to be laying on some specials. Plus, we have a children’s ride, Botley Fire Station and most importantly Father Christmas making an entrance on his sleigh courtesy of Hamble Valley Rotary from around 1530 (3.30pm), giving out a gift for the children.
Carols wrap up at 1630 (4.30PM) when Father Christmas departs.
Botley Parish Council looks forward to seeing as many of our community on the High Street joining in this Christmas fun.
A date for your diaries is the first Boorley Green Vintage Fair on the 7th June 2026. Hosted on the Boorley Green Playing Fields and Pavilion Car Park. More details about this event will be released in early 2026.
For January 2026’s Botley News I will do a summary of 2025 and a look forward to 2026.
Wishing all our community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Chris
Cllr Chris Cooper
Chair Botley Parish Council
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