Families celebrate Christmas countdown at Ha’penny lights switch-on

11 December 2025

 

Families flocked to Harwich’s Ha’penny Pier to celebrate its second-ever Christmas tree lights switch-on alongside a host of festive entertainment.

The event saw dozens attend for an evening of festive fun on Wednesday, December 10, organised by Harwich Haven Authority (HHA).

Entertainment included performances by children from the Harwich Sing Tendring Voices (HSTV) choir and a medley of sea shanties from the local Black Deep Shanty Singers. The LV18 red lightship also illuminated the harbour with its ‘big light’, timed to coincide with the Christmas tree light countdown.

Father Christmas himself also joined in the fun, alongside Mayor Pam Morrison and the town crier.

Helen Rudd, Strategy & Partnerships Director at HHA, said:

“The countdown to Christmas is now officially on after an amazing evening at the historic Ha’penny Pier.

“The performances were fabulous – and watching the lights switch-on really warmed our festive cockles.

“A big thanks also goes to the Harwich Society for sharing their space during the event, the LV18 for providing equipment and the team at Deck 1853 for supplying us all with some delicious mince pies and hot drinks!”

The event also raised money for HHA’s Charity of the Year, Home-Start Harwich.

More information on HHA’s fundraising efforts can be found at www.hha.co.uk.