VIDEO: The festive season begins with a fantastic Christmas lights switch on in Romford!

Thousands packed into Romford Market place yesterday evening (Thursday 17 November) for the Christmas lights switch on. Families came out in the cold to enjoy the festive spirit and see some live entertainment and they were not disappointed!

This year the line up included Razzmataz Theatre School, the 90’s Show, Harold Hill vocalist Miss Morgon, Rise Park Swing singer Mark Walker and headlining the event were East 17, one of the biggest pop bands of the 90’s.

Of course it would not be Christmas without our much loved pantomime and the Queen’s Theatre cast from Sleeping Beauty were on hand to give us a peep of this year’s panto and we were not disappointed. All the cast were there to wow the audience and share with us a sneaky peak into their version of the classic tale but with a new spin!

Father Christmas and his elves were on hand to meet families, alongside Mr Snowman thanks to the very popular Councillor Sue Ospreay and members of her Lightening Drama group.

East 17 closed the night by performing their much loved hits starting with House of Love. They told the Havering Dail;y: “The lyrics to this track are so important now the way our society is. It talks about war, poverty and how we need to work together.” The guys were happy to return to Romford and finished by saying, “We are neighbours so we love Romford, we have many friends here so its great to come back to perform here and to a packed house”.

The lights were officially switched on by Havering’s Mayor Councillor Trevor McKeever helped by the Queen’s Theatre cast and East 17.

Well done to Havering Council’s Nicola for organising a fantastic event that put a smile on everyone’s face.

Pop band East 17

The cast from the Queen’s Theatre pantomime Sleeping Beauty.

Councillor Sue Ospreay with Mr Penguine and Mr Snowman.

Dames from the Habbit Factory and the Queen’s Theatre,

East 17