Oscar winner Charlie Mackesy to turn on Southwold lights

Charlie Mackesy's illustrated novel The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse has been enchanting readers since its initial release in 2019. 

Last Christmas Eve, fans of the heartfelt tale were treated to the animated short film of the book, with huge names such as Idris Elba and Tom Hollander voicing some of the key roles. 

On March 13 this year, the animated film won several awards, including Best British Short Animation at the BAFTAs in February and Best Short Film at the Oscars in March. 

The animation was released on Christmas Eve 2022 (Image: PA Media)

Now, Charlie Mackesy has been announced as the celebrity guest switching on the Southwold Christmas lights this Saturday, November 25.

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He also worked alongside Richard Curtis on the set of the Christmas cult film Love Actually to create a set of illustrations to auction for Comic Relief. 

Charlie Mackesy and the team won an Oscar for the animation (Image: PA Wire)

Now living in London, Mackesy spends lots of time in Suffolk, where he has a property that he escapes to with his dog Barney.

Those hoping to catch the Southwold light switch on should head to the seaside town for around 6pm. 

There will also be a Santa's Grotto in the Adnams Tour Centre from 6.30pm and stalls, street food and outside bars in the High Street from 4pm. 

His award-winning book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse was adapted into a short film at Christmas, starring Idris Elba and Tom Hollander, which collected an Oscar for best animated short film.

Speaking after his Oscars win, Mr Mackesy said: "Awards are incredible and I'm speechless to be truthful, but a greater award has been the response from people about the book and the film."