Father Christmas, the stars of Frozen and Despicable Me and hundreds of residents and shoppers started the countdown to Christmas with Epsom’s lights switch-on.
Epsom Christmas Lights switch-on event in the Market Place on Thursday, November 19
The mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Chris Frost turned on the Christmas tree and Clock Tower lights at 7pm on Thursday, November 19.
More than 230 children queued to meet Father Christmas in the grotto in the Clock Tower to prove they were nice not naughty and to capture the memory with a photograph.
There was also family entertainment throughout the evening with performances from Epsom Primary School choir, Epsom Rock Choir, Stagecoach, Big Act Theatre School, Surrey Show Choir, Barcoda Party Band and Frozen’s princesses, Elsa and Anna, and snowman Olaf, as well as Stuart the Minion from Despicable Me.
Stalls sold festive treats and gifts, arts and crafts, and food from around the world, while shoppers enjoyed a Ferris wheel, giant snow globe and soft play party bus.
Stuart the Minion from Despicable Me, and Olaf the Snowman and Princess Anna from Frozen
Entrance to Santa's Grotto and other attractions were all free with donations to Kingston charity, Moment-um, which raised £665 for a fully equipped play room for long stay children at the Casey Ward at Epsom Hospital.
@emilyharbrecht @EpsomEwellBC A fab £665 raised at the Epsom Lights Up last week - thank you to all involved! pic.twitter.com/bM9S3t67HP
— Momentum (@MomentumCharity) November 23, 2015
Father Christmas was in Epsom for more festive fun with a second lights switch-on event at the Ashley Centre at 5pm on Saturday, November 21.
Shoppers enjoyed Punch and Judy, a magic show, balloon modelling and stilt walking, a best dressed Prince and Princess competition, and a sneak peak of this year’s panto at the Epsom Playhouse, Beauty and the Beast.
Christmas festivities continue across the borough with a range of activities that can be seen at: http://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/EEBC/
Epsom and Ewell Borough Council will also be offering free parking in the Ashley Centre, Town Hall, Hope Lodge, Depot Road and Upper High Street car parks on Sunday, December 6, 13 and 20.
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