CHRISTMAS IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY!

by | Nov 16, 2015 | Dartford News

Thousands flock to Bluewater for festive lights switch on

Thousands of people turned out on Friday (13th November) to enjoy Bluewater’s annual Christmas light night. Guests were treated to a dazzling display of lights, lasers and flames and a spectacular firework display to celebrate the start of the festive season. Bluewater’s iconic reindeer were also brought to life through illumination to welcome visitors arriving for the event.

This year the lights were switched on by Heart FM presenter Toby Ansis and Maya Hulse, the young star of Bluewater’s Christmas campaign. Also on-stage was Maya’s family, Father Christmas as well as Snoopy and Woodstock – the characters from The Peanuts movie out this December. Bluewater’s light night marks the start of Christmas shopping hours, with the centre extending its opening hours from 9am – 10pm. From the 7th December, shoppers will also have an extra hour to find the ultimate Christmas gift with all retailers keeping their doors open until 11pm.

Commenting on the event Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s General Manager, said:

“Light Night is one of the most anticipated events in our calendar – and this year was no exception. It was wonderful to see so many people turn out and take part in what was a very memorable evening. The good news though is we’ve only just begun. Our Winter Wonderland and Grotto open next week – complete with ice rink and 4D cinema – so we’re all set to make this Christmas a really magical one for our guests.”

Tickets are on sale now for Santa’s Grotto and ice-skating at Winter Wonderland, which is proudly sponsored by The Peanuts Movie this year. Booking in advance is advised to avoid disappointment.

NOBODY’S CHILD EXPANDS STORE PORTFOLIO OUTSIDE OF LONDON WITH NEW BLUEWATER STORE

Fashion brand Nobody’s Child is delighted to announce the opening of its new 1200sq ft store in Bluewater Shopping Centre, at the end of March 2026. The opening marks a significant step in Nobody’s Child’s continued retail growth, bringing the brand closer to its...

‘Holi – Festival of Colours’ returned to Dartford’s Open-Air Theatre in Central Park on Sunday 8 March 2026

'Holi - Festival of Colours' returned to Dartford’s Open-Air Theatre in Central Park on Sunday 8 March 2026, transforming the area into a vibrant spectacle of colour and joy as local residents and volunteers came together to celebrate this much-loved spring...

Dartford: Don’t let homes sit empty

This National Empty Homes Week, Dartford Borough Council is reminding owners of empty properties of the support available to help them. Lots of people in the borough are struggling to find a home and empty properties are not only a wasted resource but can also attract...

GARAGE Opens Its First UK Store at Bluewater

Montreal-born brand GARAGE is officially opening its doors in the UK, launching its first store at Bluewater Shopping Centre on March 20th, 2026 — and it’s just the beginning. After making noise during London Fashion Week, GARAGE is turning momentum into movement. The...

Early work begins on the Lower Thames Crossing

The early work to prepare parts of Essex and Kent for construction of National Highways’ Lower Thames Crossing is now underway. Before the major construction and tunnelling begins in 2028, work will be carried out to protect the area’s utility supplies, heritage, and...

Dartford launches bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture

Dartford has officially entered the race to become the UK’s first Town of Culture, confirming its intention to submit an Expression of Interest by 31 March in the new national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The Town of...

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) celebrates the women behind lifesaving charity

Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is proud to mark International Women’s Day 2026 by celebrating the remarkable contribution of women across our lifesaving service. This year’s global theme, ‘Give to Gain’, which encourages a mindset of generosity...

Charity brings family more time with their beloved retired police dog

A charity that helps retired police dogs access the best in veterinary care has covered the cost of vital surgery for a Labrador who worked as a search and detection dog with Kent Police. Retired police dog (RPD) Max worked as a passive drugs detection dog with...

CINDERELLA – PANTO MAGIC RETURNS TO THE ORCHARD THEATRE THIS CHRISTMAS

The countdown is on to the biggest ball of the year, and you’re all invited! This festive season, the curtain will rise at the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre welcoming audiences back with everyone’s favourite rags to riches tale with the spectacular family...

Railway through Dartford reopens for Southeastern and Thameslink passengers following major half-term upgrade

£10m of work completed on time with improvements to several stations so that trains can resume. The South Eastern Railway has successfully reopened the railway through Dartford after completing a significant upgrade programme carried out over the February half-term,...