Record numbers flock to Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Switch-On

With a jam-packed roster of activities taking place throughout the whole day, not just in the High Street, but also in The Forum Shopping Centre, Phoenix House and St Michaels Church there was surely something for everyone this year.



I’ve lost count of the number of people who commented on how busy the High Street was and I’ve not just referring to the large crowd that gathered for the switch on itself, it was busy all day long.



Besides the Big Switch On, and Father Christmas in the Forum you had the opportunity to see Zumba with Tonics Fitness Centre , The McManigan Academy of Irish Dance, Dudes & Divas Dance, AJ's Academy of Dance and Drama, Irish Dance with Reel Eire, YAK Dance, the Swale Sings Choir, plus music from Jenny Cazally, Sounds Familiar, Encore and The Narratones.



Traders lined the streets and the Swale Arts Forum had their very popular ‘Frozen’ display and we must also mention the Christmas Tree Festival at St Michaels Church.



The day cumulated with Santa’s parade, followed with festive carols from The choir of Grove Park School, prior to two lucky pupils who along with Father Christmas switched the lights on.



Last year’s event was, I think, the catalyst for creating a much more positive outlook for Sittingbourne and the types of events it is capable of staging. Indeed 2014 will be remembered as the year that the people of Sittingbourne started to believe in our town again.

Lets build on what we’re started and many, many thanks to the wonderful people from the Sittingbourne Christmas Lights Association who work so hard all year round to make this occasion possible.

Andy Hudson
Sittingbourne.Me

Well done Sittingbourne ...looks like a great event!

Our town is definitely starting to believe in itself and why not!? .... We have some amazing people here! ... Just imagine if more people decided to contribute and help! ... It would be off the scale!  

Let's show the naysayers they are wrong and start supporting Sittingbourne.  

Helping raise money for the lights is a good place to start!