‘Once Upon a Pantomime’: How Havering Stole Hearts on London’s Streets For the New Year’s Day Parade.

Havering brought colour, creativity and pure community spirit to the capital on New Year’s Day as its spectacular “Once Upon a Pantomime” float dazzled crowds at the world-famous London New Year’s Day Parade.

An incredible 94 performers from Rainham’s Lightnin Drama, their younger members in Thunder Productions, and the inspiring young stars from the MCA Trust proudly represented the borough in front of an estimated 750,000 spectators lining the streets, with millions more watching on television.

This year marked the Parade’s 40th anniversary, while Lightnin Drama celebrates an extraordinary 45 years this September, a milestone for a group that has become a powerhouse in the world of community arts. Their popularity has been so strong over the years that the group expanded to create Thunder Productions for younger members, ensuring the next generation continues to shine.

The float was a true pantomime extravaganza, bringing together beloved characters from The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty, all mixed into one joyful, theatrical display. Bright, colourful and bursting with energy, it radiated happiness along the route and captured the hearts of everyone who watched.

Havering’s Mayor, Councillor Sue Ospreay, led from the front dressed as Dick Whittington, London’s first Mayor, with the Mayoress as the Cat and her husband playing the King Rat. It was a moment full of humour, tradition and local pride.

Speaking about the day, Mayor Sue said:
“It was such a fantastic day and one I will treasure forever. To see our community come together in this way, with our young people at the heart of it, made me incredibly proud. What started as a simple idea on a piece of paper became something truly magical. Everyone involved gave their all, and Havering shone.”

The float’s fairytale castle, complete with dragon, wicked queen and Sleeping Beauty, was brought to life thanks to the creativity and generosity of local supporters. Elm Site Services were the main sponsors, DDA Haulage kindly provided the lorry and trailer, Elliot Commercial Repairs supplied a diesel generator, Sharp Skips handled all waste disposal, and Buzz Handy Many Solutions built the stunning castle backdrop. Harris Academy Rainham also played a key role, with many of their students proudly taking part in the performance.

Adding even more meaning to the day, children from the MCA Trust were central to the float. The charity, which supports local children with cancer and their families, is the Mayor’s chosen charity for the year, making their involvement deeply symbolic and moving.

The sense of teamwork was unmistakable, with performers and organisers coming together in a joyful display that felt less like a parade entry and more like a celebration of everything that makes Havering special.

Councillor Barry Mugglestone told the Havering Daily:
“Privilege to be there representing Havering as Deputy Mayor while the Mayor played a major role on the Havering float. The float was colourful, vibrant and absolutely deserves to win. Thank you to all the sponsors, supporters and those who gave their time.”

From the performers to the volunteers, from the sponsors to the students, every single person involved helped create something unforgettable. It was a day filled with pride, creativity and heart, proving once again what can be achieved when a community comes together.

Wonderful memories were made for both audiences and performers alike, and as 2026 begins, Havering has already set the tone. If this magical moment is anything to go by, the year ahead is full of promise.

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