Christmas in Havering officially kicked off in style last night (November 17) as East 17 performed at the switching-on of the festive lights in Romford. 

The 1990s boy band were the evening’s headline act, with a set including their 1994 Christmas number one hit Stay Another Day. 

A host of other acts also hit the main stage over the course of the evening, including Harold Hill’s Miss Morgan, Lit Youth, Razzmataz Theatre School and Hornchurch’s Jordan Smithy, as seen on BBC’s Little Mix – The Search. 

Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and The Habbit Factory previewed their Christmas pantomimes, while the Grinch and Romford Shopping Hall’s Father Christmas also made appearances. 

After the switching-on of the lights by Havering mayor Cllr Trevor McKeever and Romford BID director Julie Frost, attendees were also treated to a fireworks finale. 

Romford Recorder: Cllr Trevor McKeever, mayor of Havering, with East 17Cllr Trevor McKeever, mayor of Havering, with East 17 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: A host of other entertainment was on-show over the evening, including Lit YouthA host of other entertainment was on-show over the evening, including Lit Youth (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: The Grinch and Romford Shopping Hall's Father Christmas also made an appearanceThe Grinch and Romford Shopping Hall's Father Christmas also made an appearance (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Cllr McKeever said: “Switching on the Christmas lights marks the start of the festivities in Havering. It was brilliant to see so many residents come along to help herald in the festive season. 

“I would like to thank all the performers for giving us such a fantastic show, our sponsors for making this possible, and everyone who came out to share this special night.” 

The leader of Havering Council, Cllr Ray Morgon, added: “It was pleasing to see so many welcoming in the festive period at the Havering Christmas lights switch-on. 

“The festive lights switch-on event is such a highlight in the Havering calendar and marks the start of Christmas in the borough. 

“My thanks to the event sponsors Romford BID, Razzmatazz Theatre Schools and Time 107.5 FM for supporting this year’s festivities.” 

Romford Recorder: Cllr McKeever said the switching on of the lights 'marks the start of the festivities in Havering'Cllr McKeever said the switching on of the lights 'marks the start of the festivities in Havering' (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Market Place in Romford was full of people watching the main stage performancesMarket Place in Romford was full of people watching the main stage performances (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Once the performances were done, the evening is rounded off by a fireworks showOnce the performances were done, the evening is rounded off by a fireworks show (Image: Sandra Rowse)

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