Orpington
T
HOUSANDS of families enjoyed a fun and festive evening in Orpington on Thursday 14th November as the town’s annual Christmas lights switch on event ‘Light Up Orpington’ took place.
Funded and organised by the Orpington town centre business community, Orpington 1st, the event saw the High Street transformed for a Christmas extravaganza with two stages hosting a full line-up of live entertainment, food, drink and gift stalls, fairground rides and a spectacular firework display. Many local businesses took the opportunity to join in the festivities with a number hosting additional activities. The big day also saw the opening of The Walnuts Shopping Centre’s free Santa’s Grotto with the large queues kept entertained by members of Orpington Magic Society. Orpington 1st BID Manager, Chris Travers, said, “It’s been another brilliant night with a great atmosphere. Light Up is established as an event that Orpington can be proud of and huge credit should go to the business community for its continued investment in our town centre, creating occasions like this which the whole town can enjoy.” Ahead of the countdown to the fireworks, Santa himself was joined on the main stage by a few friends from the Orpington Village Hall’s pantomime, Mother Goose, along with ward councillors and Orpington 1st Chairman, Martin Price, who paid tribute to the volunteers from Orpington Rotary and the London Fire Cadets. An incredible firework display wowed the crowds before some rock’n’roll from Vince Lighting & The Thunderbolts brought proceedings to a close. Posting on Facebook, Orpington resident Bridget Daly, said, “All events going on were amazing and to top it the fireworks were the best ever. So thank you to all involved in organising and running such a lovely event.” 6
The Orpington 1st Magazine • Spring 2020
