Thousands of residents turned out on Saturday, 24 November, to welcome the festive season and be part of the official switching on of Christmas tree lights in central Ealing.
The event organised by Make it Ealing was held in Elizabeth Square, Dickens Yard, and hosted by local Angellica Bell, the well-known TV and radio presenter and winner of 2017 Celebrity MasterChef.
“It was great to turn on the Christmas tree lights in the new Elizabeth Square in Ealing and see how amazing the area is. It’s been a long time coming, and for someone who grew up and spent so much time in Ealing over the years, it was a real honour to say a few words and I felt so proud to be there. There was a great turnout, a fantastic market, wonderful singers and players and no doubt the light switch on will only get bigger and better in years to come,” Angellica said.
Pupils from Christ the Saviour Church of England Primary School were on hand to help turn on the lights. In attendance was the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Tejinder Dhami and leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Julian Bell.
Throughout the day, Christmas markets were also held in Dickens Yard and enjoyed by people from across the borough and there were a host of different providers selling Christmas decorations and scrumptious food. There was also entertainment from a local choir, I Want 2 Sing.
An unusual activity which quickly became a favourite on the day, was a silent auction of heritage street signs hosted by Councillor Seema Kumar. Over £1000 from the auction has gone to Ealing Street Pastors and Ealing Soup Kitchen.
Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “It was pleasing to see so many residents enjoy the festivities on offer in Dickens Yard on Saturday. It is also a good reminder to people who visit the borough of the many restaurants and shops now open as part of the development. There is a great mix of cafes and restaurants all within a short walk from Ealing Broadway station.”
Thank you to the following companies who provided sponsorship for the Christmas lights in Acton, Ealing Broadway, Greenford, Hanwell, Southall and West Ealing:
- Montreaux Limited
- Pure Heaven
- Greystar
- St George
- Berkeley
- Mleczko Delikatesy
- Murrills
- Heathrow
- Bombay Halwa
- Lovell Partnership
- T Brown
