The Orchards shopping centre manager Nicola Bird explained: “For everybody’s safety, the Christmas festival had to be cancelled, but we still had to turn on the lights. Our fantastic town mayor, Alastair McPherson visited for the second year, thanking our community for their support. He was joined by Santa himself, his favourite elf and a few passing customers.
“Santa will return on Saturday, December 5, 12 and 19, for socially distanced photos. This year all the money raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Disease Society.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank customers for all their support to the Orchards and Haywards Heath and we hope the decorations continue to bring much joy to our customers in these difficult times.”
Fat Face, the Entertainer, Marks & Spencer and The Works are amongst the retailers that will be opening later into the evening, to give customers more time to shop.