On Saturday the 22nd of November, the locals of Hayes high street celebrated the impending arrival of Christmas by hosting the annual turning on of the Christmas lights on Hayes station approach.
According to Hayes Village Association, the event was organised by the Hayes Christmas Lights Committee and is “funded solely by holding several fund-raising events throughout the year” with the addition of “donations from local organisations, traders and the community of Hayes”.
It went without saying that Hayes was the epitome of locals showing Christmas spirit due to plethora of locals who gathered around to enjoy the gift and game stalls the event had to offer.
Performances by local choirs, churches and schools graced the community before the night wrapped up with the turning on of the Christmas lights at 6pm by none other than Gabriel Wilson who, according to Hayes Village Association, “won the competition to turn on the lights”.
Some locals reported to feeling a sense of unity and solidarity when being amongst the community, whereas, a local shop keeper said that they felt that the event was futile seeing as they could – and I quote – “stay at home and switch on their own Christmas lights without being out in the cold”.
Nevertheless, the event was spectacular to watch and I definitely recommend seeing the lights on Hayes Station Approach.
written by Olaitan Koleosho, Hayes School
