The countdown to Christmas begins with festive lights being switched on in Romford Market Place this November.
The big switch-on, taking place from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Thursday 14 November, kicks off the seasonal revelry in Havering, with other town centres following suit over subsequent days.
S Club 3, formed of three original members of S Club 7, will be headlining this year’s show. Upminster-based Vocal Jukebox Productions, a local music production company will be bringing a show stopping performance of hit music from The Greatest Showman, including ‘The Greatest Show’, ‘Come Alive’, ‘Never Enough’ and ‘This is Me’.
Elm Park-based singer Charlie Dillon, who featured on The Voice Kids, will also be performing, along with a preview of the Queen’s Theatre seasonal pantomime Robin Hood, and Raiders Ice Hockey Team will be appearing with Bruce, their team mascot, who will be available during intervals for photo opportunities.
Children will also have the chance to meet some of their favourite characters and enjoy a spectacular firework finale. The event is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from Romford Business Improvement District and Everyone Active.
The switch-on in Romford’s Market Place is just part of the festive celebrations across Havering with events scheduled across the borough.
On Saturday 16 November the Hornchurch Christmas Cracker returns to the town centre running from 11am to 5pm, on Thursday 21 November it’s the turn of Upminster to light up their Christmas between 3.30 and 6pm, and the traditional Rainham Village Christmas Fayre will be held this year on Saturday 7 December, starting at 10am.
To encourage residents to shop local this Christmas, free town centre parking will be available every weekend from 30 November until 5 January 2020.
Romford Market's Christmas events return on 14 December until 24 December.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
"Festive lights will be switched on across the borough and I’m pleased that we can once again start the countdown to Christmas with a spectacular and popular event in Romford’s Market Place.
“The Market Place has long been the heart and soul of Romford Town Centre and is a proud part of Havering’s heritage.
“I hope everyone comes along to enjoy this event or one of the many other Christmas events we have on offer across our borough.
“We also hope that offering free parking at the weekends in the lead up to, and just after, Christmas, will encourage residents to make the trip and buy local.”