Celebrate Christmas in Havering with various town centre events across the borough.

Havering is getting set to celebrate Christmas this year with various town centre events and Christmas tree light switch ons.

The Christmas events have been made possible this year due to sponsorship and support from local businesses and organisations.

Due to the council’s current financial position, the large annual event that normally takes place in Romford will not be taking place. However, there are a variety of different events taking place across Havering to celebrate Christmas this year.

Rainham

Friday 15 November (5pm-8pm)

Christmas tree lights switch on event will take place adjacent to the war memorial with local small businesses selling homemade sweets and Christmas crafts.

There will also be meet and greet Christmas characters for children, free glow sticks and carol singing.

Supported by Marlborough Highways, West and Coe, The Ship, Tesco, Sackvilles Solicitors and community members.

Hornchurch

Sunday 17 November (6pm-6.15pm)

The Christmas tree lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, from 6pm at the roundabout in the High Street.

Supported by Marlborough Highways, Griffin Estates and Moss and Coleman Solicitors.

Upminster

Friday 22 November (3.30pm-6pm)

Upminster Christmas event taking place on Station Road and at Upminster Junior School.

Free children’s fairground rides, Christmas music from Bedrock Radio and choir performance from Upminster Baptist Church in the school playground.

Supported by Griffin Estates and Pinney Talford.

Elm Park

Friday 29 November (3.30pm-6pm)

Activities taking place around Elm Park Town Centre including street entertainment, stalls, face painting and Children’s choir.

Santa’s Grotto in the Eye Clinic on the Broadway (from 1pm) by appointment only – call 01708 447112 for bookings.

The Christmas tree (situated on the roundabout at the junction of The Broadway and Maylands Avenue) lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan.

Supported by Marlborough Highways, T Cribb and Sons, Readings Estates and Lavender Thai Therapy.

Harold Hill

Sunday 1 December (12pm-6pm)

Visit Hilldene Shopping Centre for live entertainment, market stalls, face painting, free children’s fairground rides and to meet Santa.

Supported by Glazefix, Grahams Highways and Dominos.

The Christmas tree lights will be switched on at 5.30pm by the Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan.

Collier Row

Friday 6 December (4pm-8pm)

Christmas tree (situated at Collier Row roundabout) lights will be switched on at 6pmby Brock Whiston, British Paralympic swimmer and resident of Collier Row.

Activities include visiting Santa, various stalls, free children’s fairground rides, Wellgate Farm outside the Ascension Church, Reindeer pen, free face painting arts and crafts in the Community Centre.

Supported by Chigwell Window Centre part of Chigwell Group, Keys & Lee Estate Agents, Keystones Property, Darjeeling Tandoori, Samantha’s Flowers, Zara Curtains & Blinds, T. Cribb & Sons inc. Harold Wood Funeral Services, Mazda Romford, Maisy Rose Flowers, Wags & Scruffs, Scooperb Ice Cream Parlour, The Church of the Good Shepherd and The North Romford Community Centre and Marlborough Highways.

Romford

Saturday 7 December and 14 December (12pm-4pm)

Children’s characters and stilt walkers will be roaming around the town centre and SingTok will be performing at the Mercury Mall at 12.30pm and the Brewery shopping centre at 2pm on Saturday 7 December.

Supported by the Romford BID.

Harold Wood

7 December (4pm-7pm)

Taking place at the station car park with a charity Christmas market, live music, nativity, refreshments and a chance to meet Santa and the elves.

Supported by TfL, Saba Carparks St Peters Church, Grahams Highways, 8th Squirrels Heath Scouts Group, Matthews Property Management and Perfect Haulage.

Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, said: “Switching on the Christmas tree lights marks the start of the festivities and it will be great to see so many residents come along to help bring in the festive season in each town centre.

“Each event is the perfect opportunity for visitors to come into our local town centres and join in the festivities whilst supporting the local economy.

“Thanks to all the sponsors and individual community groups for supporting this year’s events.”

Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming in the festive period in Havering with the upcoming Christmas events.

“My thanks to our sponsors for supporting this year’s festivities and making the activities possible.

“Given our funding challenges, like many Councils, we have had to scale back events this year, but thanks to the generous support of businesses and the local community it has been possible to celebrate Christmas across our town centres for another year.”

Find out more about upcoming events by visiting www.havering.gov.uk/christmas

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