On Sunday the 19th of November, the people of Orpington gathered for this year’s ‘Light Up Orpington’ to commence the start of the much-awaited festive season. People crowded the high street to celebrate this holiday extravaganza, featuring entertainment for all, ranging from your favourite fairground rides to a variety of fascinating stalls and shops.
As winter’s embrace settles in, the spirit of Christmas is becoming stronger This years ‘Light up Orpington’ welcomed the holiday season warmly, transforming the ordinary high street into a winter wonderland. It was a vibrant gathering, spreading the magic of the season with twinkling lights and holiday delights, creating an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages.
The event was open to the public from 2pm onwards, encouraging visitors to indulge in the various stalls and workshops. Whether you were a fan of seasonal food, or simply hungry after the long evening, the event offered an assortment of culinary delights that catered to every plate. From traditional holiday treats, including sausages and roasted chestnuts, to international delicacies, visitors were able to enjoy a tempting selection of food, and it was agreed that it was an integral part of the experience.
Wandering through the market stalls also revealed a world of craftsmanship and creativity. Local workshops showcased their talents, offering a diverse array of handcrafted treasures, unique ornaments and jewellery, hand knit scarves to those seeking something truly special. Not only did the event provide a unique opportunity to find one-of-a-kind gifts but did so while supporting local businesses.
‘It was a very unique and exciting experience’ recounted Sruthi S, who was celebrating the event for the first time.
The event proved fun for the entire family, including the little ones, who were treated to an arts and crafts workshop organised by The Hope Centre. From scratch art to making your very own baubles, children got involved in various activities, held at different stations around the room. Parents were allowed to help themselves to an assortment of hot drinks and snacks, all whilst socialising with the community which in turn spread the contagious holiday spirit. For the kids, the highlight of the evening was meeting the man in red himself! Santa’s Grotto invited kids to come and tell Santa their wishes, take a picture with him or simply have a friendly chat! Kids left with a smile on their faces and a free chocolate advent calendar - the perfect way to commence the holiday season.
The stage was set for amazing entertainment, showcasing lively musicians and performances. Melodies and tunes that evoked the spirit of the season played throughout the evening, finishing off with a spectacular show of fireworks that awed everyone.
Beyond the items we bought, and the food we ate, what we all created was cherish-able memories and lasting traditions, as families and friends gathered to share the joy of the season. ‘Light Up Orpington’ 2024 proved to be a huge success - kickstarting us off with a good feeling for Christmas this year.
