THE Grays Christmas Lights Switch-On returns to officially launch Christmas in the town on Friday 25 November 2016 and three stars of the hottest reality TV talent shows will be bringing some extra sparkle to the proceedings.
Reality stars, Marcus Collins, Nate Simpson and Lydia Lucy are set to get the festive party started
2011 X Factor finalist Marcus is also the lead in Thameside Theatre’s hit pantomime, Peter Pan, and will join the Mayor, Cllr Cathy Kent to press the button that lights up the town centre.
The fun starts at midday, with a series of performances in the plaza by THE outrageously talented students from South Essex College. From 3:30pm the countdown to the Big Switch-On begins in earnest, as media partners Radio Essex – with popular daytime presenter Tracie Young – present live entertainment on the main stage with performances by Lydia, Marcus and 2016 X Factor hopeful, Nate.
For younger visitors, there will be a magical singalong hosted by beautiful, fairytale princesses with a chance to meet and have a selfie with Belle, Elsa and Ariel. Come as yourself, leave as an elf! Kids can also have their face painted as a cheeky little Santa helper, Rudolph, Snowman or favourite Christmas character on the High Street. They can also pick up elf cheeks, hats, bells and badges at ‘Elf Stops’ throughout the town and Grays Shopping Centre.
You’ll also find Santa’s grotto inside the shopping centre, so if you have collected all of the stamps form the ‘Elf Stops’ you can go and see the big fella and tell him what you want him to bring you in his sleigh.
Can you help the Naughty Christmas Tree find his baubles? They’ve dropped and it’s needling him where they might be. Go on a hunt in search of his lost decorations before it drives him Christmas crackers.
Local artist Winter is also set to win new fans with her fabulous renditions of Barbara Streisand’s greatest hits, while fans of musicals will love hearing their favourite showstoppers sung by South Essex College’s very own future musical theatre stars. Local choirs will fill the air in the church of St Peter and St Paul with joyful carols.
Over in George Street, the organisers of the Village Beach Festival will be showcasing local talent in a very special beach hut.
At 5:45 the stage will be thronged by members of the cast of Peter Pan, joining Marcus and the Mayor to officially start Christmas in Grays.
Town Centre Co-ordinator, Emma Crampton, says: “The members of the Grays Town Management Partnership are thrilled to offer visitors a chance to celebrate the start of Christmas in their local town centre. We welcome people to come and enjoy this festive family event and hope that this will be the start of many exciting activities for Grays.”
