Havering switches on to Christmas
Thousands of Havering residents took to Market Place, Romford yesterday (17 November 2022) to celebrate the Havering Christmas lights switch-on.
Pop legends East 17 headlined the entertainment, performing a set that included ‘Stay Another Day’, their Christmas number one from 1994, along with many other hits from their eighteen top-twenty singles and four top-ten albums.
The main stage, which was hosted by Time 107.5FM’s Mark Dover also showcased local artists including Harold Hill’s Miss Morgan, The 90s Show, Lit Youth and Mini’s, Razzamataz Theatre School, swing vocalist Mark Walker and Hornchurch’s Jordan Smithy as seen on BBC’s 'Little Mix – The Search'.
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and The Habbit Factory also showcased previews of their Christmas pantos, a tradition at the Havering lights switch on.
A full cast of colourful characters courtesy of Lightnin Drama turned up to celebrate with the crowds, including the Grinch, Paw Patrol and Romford Shopping Hall’s Father Christmas made an appearance.
The show concluded with the festive lights being switched-on by the Mayor of Havering, Councillor Trevor McKeever and the Director of Romford BID, Julie Frost, ahead of a spectacular fireworks finale.
Mayor of Having, Cllr Trevor McKeever, said:
“Switching on the Christmas lights marks the start of the festivities in Havering. It was brilliant to see so many residents come along to help herald in the festive season.
“I would like to thank all the performers for giving us such a fantastic show, our sponsors for making this possible, and everyone who came out to share this special night.”
Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, said:
“It was pleasing to see so many welcoming in the festive period at the Havering Christmas lights switch-on.
“The festive lights switch-on event is such a highlight in the Havering calendar and marks the start of Christmas in the borough.
“My thanks to the event sponsors Romford BID, Razzmatazz Theatre Schools and Time 107.5 FM for supporting this year’s festivities.”
The event for 2022 was sponsored by the Romford Business Improvement District (BID), Razzamataz Theatre Schools and supported by Time 107.5 FM.
The lights switch-on in Romford kick starts a number of switch-ons and events taking place across the borough in the run-up to Christmas.