Reliving 10 years of Christmas lights switch-ons in Romford

This week, the Recorder is taking a trip down memory lane to relive a decade of Christmas lights switch-on events in Market Place.

Between 2013 and 2023, the festivities welcomed performers from East 17 to Amelia Lily - all topped off by spectacular fireworks displays.

Although the cancellation of the switch-on events in 2024 sparked outrage, Christmas lights and grottos in Romford town centre have still welcomed in the festivities this year.

2013 - Amelia Lily

X Factor star Amelia Lily headlined the 2013 switch-on - also cutting the ribbon at the Santa's grotto in Romford Shopping Hall - while fellow X Factor contestant Lydia Lucy, from Collier Row, also performed.

The Queen’s Theatre pantomime cast also made an appearance, while CBeebies characters danced to Party Rock by LMFAO.

2014 - James Smith and Lydia Lucy

Lydia Lucy was a regular at Romford's lights switch-on events. This was during her 2016 performance (Image: Melissa Page)

Lydia Lucy again brought the tunes in 2014, alongside Britain’s Got Talent’s James Smith, from Upminster, while CBeebies presenter Alex Winters and Little Charley Bear also took to the stage.

Fireworks and a mayoral speech capped off the evening.

2015 – Frozen

Romford embraced the Frozen craze in 2015, with Princess Elsa leading a sing-along to Let It Go in Market Place.

A long list of performers also included acrobatic group the Black Eagles, girl band PYT and even The Gruffalo.

2016 – NHS Sound of Pride Choir

Crowds packing out Market Place in 2016 (Image: Melissa Page)

NHS Sound of Pride Choir delighted the crowds with harmonious melodies in 2016, alongside Lydia Lucy who returned for a set.

Despite a "bitter wind", according to the Recorder at the time, photos show Market Place packed with people enjoying the show.

2017 – Jess Folle

The Voice Kids winner Jess Folley wowed the crowds in 2017, as well as X Factor contestant Taliah Delarto.

SupaNova LED light show dancers were also on the line-up, alongside the Queen’s Theatre Beauty and the Beast pantomime cast - while fake snow fell over the crowds.

2018 – Reggie n Bollie

X Factor duo Reggie n Bollie headlined in 2018, joined by Britain’s Got Talent star James Smith and Charlie Dillon from the Voice Kids.

2019 – S Club 3

Some of S Club with Santa in 2019 (Image: Ken Mears)

Romford went full pop nostalgia in 2019 with S Club 3 leading the entertainment.

Lit Youth dancers, Vocal Jukebox, and the Queen’s Theatre cast kept the energy high before fireworks closed the night.

2021 – Big Brovaz and Booty Luv

TOWIE’s Saffron Lempriere preparing to turn on the lights in 2021 (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer)

After a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, the lights switch-on returned in style with Big Brovaz and Booty Luv headlining.

TOWIE’s Saffron Lempriere made an appearance, alongside Jasmine Somer from talent show Little Mix - The Search, and Razzamataz Theatre School.

2022 – East 17

East 17 performing in 2022 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The 1990s boyband East 17 performed their iconic Christmas number one hit Stay Another Day as headliners in 2022, with thousands once again turning out for the event.

2023 – Rozalla and DJ Luck & MC Neat

Razzamataz Theatre School in 2023 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The final switch-on saw more 90s stars take the stage, including Rozalla and DJ Luck and MC Neat.

Once again, local talent from Razzamataz Theatre School to The Frances Bardsley Academy’s School Choir performed during the show.