Faced with the prospect of a 'dark' Christmas in the Village, the Blackheath Christmas Lights Campaign was launched last July. Its aim is to raise £35,000 to put up new 'green' lights for Blackheath Village. Thanks to support from residents and businesses, pledges and donations totalling £10,000 have already been received.

We have now raised enough money for a downpayment on the lights, which are due to be hung in time for the switch-on on Saturday 1 December.

'Support has been fantastic,' says spokesperson Hilton Ingram. 'and Lewisham Council has been terrific. But there's still a long way to go. In order for the future of the lights to be guaranteed it's imperative that we reach our target.'

If we achieve our target the lights will be switched on by a local celebrity at 4.30pm on Saturday 1 December.

On 15th of  November a Fund-Raising Casino Night was held at Cave Austin, 7-9 Montpelier Vale, Blackheath and as well as the fun of the casino there was a disco, buffet and raffle with some great prizes.

Further fundraising events will include a special walk on the 1st - 'Henry, Humphrey, Highwaymen & the Heath', led by a Blue Badge guide who will bring visitors from Greenwich Tourist Information Centre to Blackheath. See Fundraising page for further details.

Also a Children's Fun Fair and a Continental Market will be held on the Heath from noon to 8pm on Saturday and noon to 7pm on Sunday 2 December. A firework finale is also planned for the Saturday night.

A photograph is attached showing Blackheath lights as they used to be.