insideKENT Magazine Issue 81 - December 2018 | Page 156

NEWS
HUGE CROWDS ATTEND
‘LIGHT UP ORPINGTON’
Huge crowds started their Christmas
countdown in Orpington High Street on
Thursday 15th November as ‘Light Up
Orpington’ took place. The annual Christmas
lights switch-on is the highlight of a
comprehensive events calendar for the town
centre, which has growing reputation as a
vibrant leisure destination.
The event was organised and funded by
Orpington 1st, the town centre business
community, with additional sponsorship from
9Round Orpington and The Walnuts
Shopping Centre. Thousands of attendees
enjoyed a range of activities for all the family
which were complemented by food, gift and
community stalls, circus performers, a string
quartet, traditional fairground rides, and a
main stage hosting a fantastic line up of
musical and theatrical acts.
Santa himself was joined by a few friends
from the Orpington Village Halls Pantomime,
along with the Mayor of Bromley and
Orpington ward councillors, for the
countdown to the firework finale, which was
accompanied by some Christmas classics.
Attendees took to social media to express their
approbation. Bromley resident, Liam, tweeted,
“Amazing, great night out with the family. A
great job well done,” whilst Orpingtonian
mum of three, Marie, commented, “we’ve had
a wonderful time, it gets better every year!”
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Following the fireworks there was more music
from local rock band Stone Blind with the
audience treated to an early white Christmas,
thanks to a bit of festive magic.
Orpington 1st BID Manger, Chris Travers, said,
“it’s been another fantastic event in Orpington
and an incredible turnout, with more
businesses than ever involved on the night,
too. We’d like to thank everyone who came
and contributed to a fabulous atmosphere.
There’s lots more planned for 2019 so watch
this space!”
The town centre will now be gearing up for
the Orpington Santa Dash on Sunday 9th
December which will see hundreds of
residents don Santa suits and make the dash
through the Priory Gardens, down the high
street and into Market Square. For more info,
please visit www.orpington1st.co.uk.