Christmas in Long Bush to return this year

After an almost decade-long hiatus, the Long Bush Christmas Day Parade is set to make a comeback on December 25, 2023, marking a revival of the much-anticipated event that initially began in 2007 and was last celebrated in 2013.

The Long Bush Christmas Day Parade, known for its colourful and family-friendly atmosphere, enjoyed significant popularity over the seven years it was previously held.

Josette Allen, a member of the Christmas in Long Bush Committee, shared the community’s eagerness for the parade’s return when she appeared on the Talking Points show yesterday, December 4.

While the reasons for the extended break remain unclear, the committee, in collaboration with Fourth District Representative Luce Hodge-Smith, has decided to breathe new life into the tradition.

The festivities are scheduled to kick off at 11 am at the Long Bush Band Stand, and attendees can anticipate a vibrant array of offerings.

These include food and drinks, live entertainment featuring at least five bands, bouncy castles for children, train rides, and potential additions like donkey rides and pole plaiting.

Several fundraisers are being planned ahead of the event at the Band Stand. The committee said it has since confirmed the Overdrive band to perform and expects other bands to confirm their performances as well.

CCT has pledged sponsorship and is also expected to participate with its float entry in the parade featuring a prince and princess. The parade is expected to traverse through Lower Estate and return along Main Street.

“The whole thing about this, we don’t want people to think it is just a Long Bush thing. It is a community thing,” Allen stated.

Allen emphasised the community’s longing for the event and highlighted the committee’s decision to form and revive this cherished tradition after all these years.