Lights, smartphone cameras, action!

The big switch on of the Christmas lights starts at 4.30pm on Thursday 17 November with Sid & Scrat from the movie Ice Age™ making personal appearances and performances on stage from Lydia Lucy of the Voice and X Factor's Che Chesterman. There will also be a preview of the Queen’s Theatre Christmas pantomime Cinderella and the chance to join Mark Dover from Time 107.5 to marvel at the antics of Bruce Airhead as he disappears into a balloon. The entertainment is rounded off at 6.30pm with Santa and Mrs Claus switching on the lights with a spectacular firework display.

The following day the first skaters will be taking to the ice on a large temporary rink that will bring festive cheer to the town. Set up at the clocktower end of the Market Place the ice rink will operate seven days a week from 18 November until 15 January across the festive season (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).

The covered ice rink will have a capacity for 150 skaters per hour and will be open to anyone over three years old and trained staff will be on hand to supervise the skating at all times. There will be special rates for children’s organisations and groups wishing to book sessions on the ice for just £5 per child and adult supervisors skating for free.

The events in Romford’s Market Place are just part of the festive celebrations across Havering with markets and light switch on events scheduled across the borough.

 Councillor Roger Ramsey, the Leader of Havering Council said:

“Across the borough lights will be going on to light the winter gloom and I’m so pleased that we have a great new attraction to help our residents celebrate the festive season and bring visitors to Romford Market Place.  Some may say that as Councillors we are used to skating on thin ice but now everyone will have the opportunity to do so!”