Harold Hill is lit up after Christmas lights switch on

More than 300 people came to watch the Harold Hill Christmas lights switch on at the Hilldene Shopping Centre.

The annual council-organised event, on Thursday, December 8, also drew in crowds from the surrounding areas.

Leader of Havering Council Cllr Michael White, who flicked the switch to turn on the dazzling lights, said: “I was honoured to be asked to do the countdown for the Christmas light switch on in Harold Hill. We had hundreds of children and families come down and it was a very enjoyable evening full of festive cheer.”

The event saw Christmas decoration and lantern-making workshops at St George’s Centre, followed by a lantern-lit procession from the centre, in Chippenham Road to the Christmas tree located in Hilldene Shopping Centre.

There were performances by children from Pyrgo school choir, the local Glee club and Drapers Academy.

Spectators also saw a magic and fire display by entertainer Crystal Wizard as well as listening to live music and had the opportunity to make their own festive cards. Shoppers were also given the chance to start filling their bags early and prepare for December 25.

The switch-on was organised by Havering Council as part of Harold Hill Ambitions, a multi-million pound project which aims to regenerate the area.