A glittering Switch On event in Croydon last week saw thousands flock to North End to see the pantomime stars and welcome in the festive period.

The biggest ever Christmas lights event in the town centre, attracted over 4,000 people to North End on a cold Thursday night, November 15, where a star-spangled festive parade heralded the start of Christmas.

West End star Darren Day and television's Christie Goddard, Prince Charming and Cinderella in the Fairfield's Christmas pantomime, were the stars of the parade, but there were plenty of other entertainers spreading seasonal cheer.

A huge cheer erupted as Darren Day led the countdown and the sparkling lights illuminated the town centre.

Mr Blobby, brought in on a pony-drawn coach, was a big hit with the children, while the Ugly Sisters, the Spite Girls drew boos and laughs by spraying water pistols at the crowd.

The Surrey Pipe band led the parade with bagpipes blaring, followed by the dancing Miss Christmas and her children. Other entertainers in the parade included the Old Palace Clog Dancers, children from the Bright Sparks Theatre School, the town cryer, and children's characters including Snowy Bear, Ronald McDonald and of course Father Christmas.

Afterwards Darren Day said: "It was really good fun for all of us. It was really good of so many people to come out and the crowd were really responsive."

Compere Rick Smith, who has been the announcer at the event for the past four years, said: "This event was definitely the best ever. There were more people, the crowd loved the parade and it's becoming a big occasion for the town."

For the first time the Switch On was transmitted live to two huge screens in the Whitgift and Drummond Centres.

November 19, 2001 10:00