Thousands of people turned out for the festivities to mark the switch on of Romford's Christmas lights.

The event was headlined by R&B stars Big Brovaz and Booty Luv, while The Only Way is Essex's Saffron Lempriere also made an appearance on stage.

Romford Recorder: TOWIE's Saffron Lempriere and Havering mayor John Mylod prepare to turn on the lightsTOWIE's Saffron Lempriere and Havering mayor John Mylod prepare to turn on the lights (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Jasmine Somer, who was a contestant on talent show Little Mix - The Search, also performed as well as artists from Razzamataz Theatre School.

Romford Recorder: A firework display took place in the skies above Market PlaceA firework display took place in the skies above Market Place (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Queen's Theatre in Hornchurch and Brookside Theatre in Romford gave crowds a taster of their festive pantomimes at the event on Thursday, November 18.

Romford-Christmas-Lights-Switch-On-2021

A fireworks display preceded the lights switch-on at the first public occasion to turn on the illuminations since 2019.

Romford Recorder: Thousands attended the eventThousands attended the event (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

The borough's mayor John Mylod said: “Switching on the Christmas lights marks the start of the festivities in Havering, and it really feels it’s back in a big way following last year’s Covid-19 restrictions.

Romford Recorder: Booty Luv helped to headline proceedingsBooty Luv helped to headline proceedings (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

“I would like to thank all the performers for giving us such a fantastic show.”

Romford Recorder: There were a range of performances on stage during the eveningThere were a range of performances on stage during the evening (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

For a list of the borough's Christmas events, visit havering.gov.uk/christmas.

Romford Recorder: Members of Razzamataz Theatre School also performed to the crowdsMembers of Razzamataz Theatre School also performed to the crowds (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Romford Recorder: Crowds enjoy the performancesCrowds enjoy the performances (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Romford Recorder: Frances Bardsley Academy's choir perform on stageFrances Bardsley Academy's choir perform on stage (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)

Romford Recorder: It was the first public event to turn on the lights since 2019It was the first public event to turn on the lights since 2019 (Image: Ellie Hoskins Photographer www.elliehoskins.com ellie@elliehoskins.com)