Christmas lights will soon be switched on around the borough as the festive countdown begins.

Romford Recorder: Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market.Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market. (Image: Archant)

Romford’s Christmas lights will be turned on at a special event on Thursday November 17.

The switch-on, sponsored by Time 107.5 FM, will take place at the Market Place from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

The event will feature performances from The Voice’s Lydia Lucy and X Factor’s Che Chesterman.

And for youngsters, Sid & Scrat from Ice Age will be making personal appearances at intervals throughout the day.

Romford Recorder: Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market.Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market. (Image: Archant)

Join presenter Mark Dover from Time to marvel at the antics of Bruce Airhead as he disappears into a balloon, and get a sneak preview of this year’s Queen’s Theatre panto Cinderella.

At 6.30pm join Santa and Mrs Claus as they light up the town and the sky with a spectacular firework display.

Hundreds turned out for the event last year, with performances from singer Amy Harman and choir Gospel Essence.

The evening will launch a programme of events in Romford town centre, including festive markets and more in the pop-up events space in the market place.

Romford Recorder: Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market.Romford Christmas lights switch on in Romford Market. (Image: Archant)

The switch-on will kick off a range of festive activities in the countdown to Christmas.

Hornchurch Christmas Cracker

Saturday November 19

2pm-5pm

Romford Recorder: Hornchurch Christmas CrackerHornchurch Christmas Cracker (Image: Archant)

Free

Children can graduate as an official Santa’s Helper by getting their Cracker Certificate stamped at the four festive locations before stopping to visit Santa himself in the grotto. The Cinderella pantomime characters from Queen’s Theatre will help turn on the lights. There will be circus act and a performance by the Havering Haverettes.

Upminster Elf Service Trail

Romford Recorder: Lydia Lucy, from The Voice being interviewed by Time FMLydia Lucy, from The Voice being interviewed by Time FM (Image: Archant)

Thursday November 24

4pm–6pm

Carol singing, children’s rides and an Elf Treasure Trail will be on offer as the town’s Christmas lights are switched on.

Collier Row Victorian Christmas Event

Friday December 2

4,30pm-7.30pm

Meet Santa and his reindeer in his magical grotto at Chigwell Window Centre. Also enjoy live music, Christmas craft stall, face-painting and children’s rides.

Rainham Village Christmas Fayre

Saturday December 3

10.30am-3.30pm

Welcome in the festive spirit of the season at a village fair with market stalls and live on-stage entertainment at the War Memorial. The princesses can’t wait for you to singalong with them and the brass band will be playing in the grounds of St Helen’s and St Giles. The circus troupe returns and there will be children’s crafts and entertainment at the Royals Youth Club and Rainham Hall. Santa himself will be visiting with his reindeer.

Illuminating Elm Park

Friday November 25

4pm-6pm

The Salvation Army will be opening this wonderful event, and there will be balloon modelling, stilt walkers and magic while you wait your turn to see Santa in his grotto. Ride on the carousel, listen to the choirs sing and enjoy the Christmas sweet stall or a hog roast as you take in the atmosphere. Walk up to see the crib and farm animals at St Nicholas Church where carols will be sung and refreshments served. Have your face painted and visit the Youth Bus and Bedrock Radio which will be in the centre outside our varied independent shops.

Romford Market pop-up events space

Frost Parade – Friday November 18, 4pm-7pm

Frost Fair – Saturday November 19, 10am-4pm

Christmas Makers Market – Wednesday November 30 to 3 December 10am to 4pm (daily)

Christmas Post Office – Wednesday December 7 to December 14, 11am to 4pm (daily)

Romford Christmas Market – Wednesday December 14 to Saturday December 24, 9am to 4pm (daily)