Dartford’s festive calendar begins with Big Christmas Switch On

Christmas has officially begun in Dartford following the Big Christmas Switch On at the weekend.

After sifting through the incredible colouring competition entries from schools across Dartford, Sia Buist, 8, was selected as this year’s lucky winner, and got to help light up the town for Christmas. Sia joined The Worshipful the Mayor of Dartford Andy Lloyd, Father Christmas, and switch-on stars in Brewery Square on Saturday.

Festivities began at 10am, with Cohesion Plus’s roaming entertainment in the High Street, Orchards Shopping Centre and Priory Shopping Centre. From a festive brass band to the interactive Show Globe, there was plenty of fun for everyone to enjoy.

Starting off the afternoon of performances at Brewery Square were Orchard West’s Theatre Choir, Ukulele group, and signing choir, with Channel 5’s Milkshake! presenter, David Ribi, guiding the crowd through each set. There were tributes to Taylor Swift and Freddie Mercury, as well as appearances from local singers Tilly Pantlin and Jason Allen.

The stars from Orchard West’s pantomime ‘Sleeping Beauty’ also helped with the proceedings, with Britain’s Got Talent winner, Sydnie Christmas, wowing the crowds with her charm and sensational voice. Father and son duo Simmons & Simmons joined our competition winner Sia on stage to help with the switch-on, and had the audience in stitches with their silly banter.

A spokesperson for Dartford Borough Council said: “What a way to start Christmas here in Dartford! A big thank you to everyone who came and got involved with the Big Christmas Switch On, as well as to the organisers that brought it together. And don’t forget, we’re just getting started with the festivities! We have our favourite Santa’s House, Carol Concert and Santa on Tour still to come. So save the dates and we hope to see you there.”

We would like to thank the following organisations who have generously supported this year’s Big Christmas Switch On: Dartford Borough Council – Orchards Shopping Centre – The Priory Shopping Centre – Orchard West – Aldi – Fairfield – Dartford Markets – Dartford Messenger – Cohesion Plus.

The Big Christmas Switch On kicks off Dartford Borough Council’s festive calendar. Details about Santa’s House (23^rd, 24^th & 30^th November and 1^st, 7^th, 8^th December), Santa’s Tour (1^st, 4^th, 8^th, 15^th, 17^th, 22^nd December) and other great events can be found via www.dartford.gov.uk/events.

Photo Dartford Council