Dunmow Christmas lights switch-on a 'huge success'

The event kicked off at 1pm on Sunday, November 26, with Mayor Cllr Alex Armstrong and town crier Jody Huizar opening the proceedings outside the Saracens Head Hotel in High Street.

Crowds at the Dunmow Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Mike Perry)

Entertainment took place on the stage all afternoon, compered by Matt McKay from BBC Essex.

There were performances by Granary Dance Studios, Lisa Gorgin, Big Voices Community Choir, Great Dunmow Town Band, Take Note Concert Band, Leyla Sully, Taya Morgan and ROM Theatre Arts.

The Grinch met children at the Christmas lights switch-on (Image: GDTC)

Children could visit Father Christmas at a grotto in the Saracen's Head, with Mother Christmas and the Grinch also present, while families enjoyed food and craft stalls.

READ MORE

• 100-year-old Stansted care home resident shares the secret to a long life

The lights were switched on at 5pm by nine-year-old George Muscrost from Dunmow St Mary's Primary School, winner of the Town Team poster painting competition.

Town crier Jody Huizar at the Christmas lights switch-on (Image: GDTC)

Alan Stratton, from Dunmow Town Team, said: "It was a huge success. We took a gamble having the event on the Sunday rather than the Saturday.

"We decided to try to give ourselves an extra trading day so people didn't miss out on Saturday trade.

"The weather just about held out until near the end."

Competition winner George on stage after switching on the Christmas lights (Image: Mike Perry)

Children trying out the Flitch Trials chair (Image: GDTC)

Winner George on stage with Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, the Grinch and town crier Jody Huizar (Image: Mike Perry)

The Flitch Trials stand at Great Dunmow's Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Mike Perry)