Thursday the 21st of November marked the ‘Be Festive Richmond Christmas Lights Switch-On’ and it was a glorious celebration for the start of this Christmas season.
This was the first event held back in Richmond’s local town centre, as it was previously held down by the Richmond Riverside due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The event included stars from the Richmond Theatre’s upcoming pantomime of Beauty and the Beast went onto the stage and sang some incredible Christmas classics.
What's more, Skylark’s Charity Choir, a local charity for children with disabilities and additional needs, as well as the Rock Choir, where there were about 50 people on stage, all giving exceptional performances.
There were some well-known Christmas characters such as the Nutcracker, wind-up ballerinas, snow queens and even candy canes walking around the high street who posed for their delighted admirers, which put a smile on everyone’s faces.
After all the joyful singing and the charming Christmas characters parading on the street, it was the moment everyone was waiting for.
The Mayor of Richmond pressed the big red button after an exciting countdown and the whole town centre was lit into a sparkling scene.
Everyone who was gathered around the stage and in the town burst into a celebratory cheer.
This special occasion brought much pleasure to the locals.
Elyssa Culligan, a resident in Richmond, said that “it was nice because the whole community was here to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.”
After such a thrilling evening, the crowd walked away with glee; many young children were seen jumping up and down with from all the excitement.
For some, this event holds many memories and will continue to do so.
Clemmie Downie, a 14-year-old, exclaimed that this event “holds many childhood memories because of all the beautiful singing and the festive lights” and that “it really is the spirit of Christmas.”
Next year, be sure to look out for the Christmas lights switch-on in Richmond or in your own local town, because this is surely one of the most amazing experiences for the run up to Christmas.
