FUN-SEEKERS defied freezing temperatures to turn out in their droves for the Light Up Harold Hill event and the annual Rainham Village Christmas Fayre.

The Harold Hill event on Friday in Hilldene Shopping Centre attracted hundreds of people carrying brollies and wearing wellies and the Rainham Village Fayre on Saturday drew an estimated 800 visitors.

Speaking about Light Up Harold Hill, Leader of Havering Council, Cllr Michael White, said: “Despite the snow and ice lots of people still came along to enjoy the event, and I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

“Christmas is a time to come together and spread goodwill and I know Havering residents across the borough will be doing just that and enjoying the festive season.”

Everyone was put right into the festive spirit with the Light Up Harold Hill event which started at 4pm with carols from youngsters from Pyrgo Primary School and Drapers’ Academy.

The fun continued with performances from Havering Majorrettes, Phoenix Blue Twirlers and street dance group Kryptic Fusion who kept the crowds entertained until the Christmas lights were switched on.

Popular with the children and their parents was the festive magician.

On Saturday, Rainham Village Fayre ran from 10am to 4pm. The Rainham Association for Village Events (RAVE) made the decision to go ahead despite the bad weather.

Organiser Joyce Dady said: “We seriously considered cancelling this year’s fayre because the weather was so bad, but in the end we had to overcome so many hurdles to put the event on that we thought it would be a shame to cancel it.”

This year’s offering included a fun fair, brass band and carols from children from Rainham Village Primary.

There was also a live nativity reminding people of the story of Christmas, plus a stilt walker and a jester.

People could also escape from the cold into Rainham Library in Broadway where they could look at work by local artists.

Father Christmas was also on hand giving free gifts away to children.

Rainham Cllr Jeff Tucker said: “It was extremely cold but the show still went on and there was lots of support from everyone.

“The organisers really pulled out all the stops to make sure that the event was not cancelled and it was a credit to all of them and their hard work.”