Christmas 2021 took off to a fantastic start, with the businesses and community of Ilford showing that they could not be deterred by the typical wind and rain that we are all used to. 

The town centre saw a massive turn out of visitors on the 27th to see our first ever light switch on inIlford, and it was an evening to be remembered - thank you to those that joined us!

Take a look at the video here. 

Throughout the evening we saw: 

- Over 15 food and merchandise stalls
- A music act in the Exchange Ilford Loft
- Santa’s Mural family activity
- Bollywood dancers from D-Style in the Exchange Ilford Loft
- A snow play area in Exchange Ilford
- Santa’s Grotto in Exchange Ilford
- Face painter in Exchange Ilford
- A meet and greet with Peppa Pig and Bing

The fun continued with stage performances from the Voices of Redbridge Choir who sang Christmas carols and Disney tunes to entertain the crowd. The Choir was put together through an X-Factor style competition and members of churches in Redbridge.

So Diva, the Voice UK finalists also joined us to sing a rendition of hits to invoke the Christmas spirit, with a fantastic performance of “ All I want for Christmas is you”.

We also had an appearance from the Deputy Mayor, Mayor of Redbridge and the Leader of Redbridge Council Jas Athwal, who set the tone of commemorating the impact of the past 18 months, acknowledging loved ones lost and ones who are still with us.

A dance performance from our Greatest Showman tribute act, a dazzling flame performance from a flame artist and a thrilling pie eating contest also took place and wowed visitors.

Our audience were also thrilled on the High Road by our walk through Christmas tree, snow globe ice queen and spectacular floating angels.

The event ended with Ilford’s first ever Christmas fireworks display to the tune of Greg Lake’s, I believe in Father Christmas.