Hundreds of people braced the cold this evening to get into the festive spirit with the turning on of Loughton’s High Road lights.

St Mary’s Church was packed to capacity as families gathered to watch TOWIE’s Billi Mucklow and Lydia Bright officially start the countdown to Christmas.

Britain’s Got Talent star Charlotte Jaconelli performed a song for the crowd which was also entertained by Father Christmas.

The young opera singer who made it to fame with friend Jonathon also delivered an impromptu second song as the switch was stuck in traffic on the M25.

Miss Bright, 22, who owns Bella Sorella on the High Road said that it was a pleasure to get involved with the switch on.

She said: “It’s nice to get the community together for an event like this and it’s great for us to see everyone. Charlotte is a local girl, too. She’s from Woodford.”

“I think something like this means that everyone can come down, people who wouldn’t normally get the chance to see the shops.

Miss Mucklow, 23, who owns Bikram Yoga Essex added: “People work late, but with the shops open until 8pm it gives people a chance to look around.”

Councillor Harvey Mann said that the crowded event was organised in less than three months.

He said: “Becky from BaBa Boom and the Town Centre Partnership is behind it.

“We wanted to do something which would promote the high street and this is great.

“Just look at all the people. I’m glad I suggested having a Santa, he is entertaining all of the people who couldn’t fit in the church.” 

 

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