Brent Cross Town is sparkling following its annual lights switch on to celebrate the start of the festive season.

The celebrations kicked off in the early afternoon with students and teachers from Mapledown invited for a special pre-event before the crowds came in. Students enjoyed delicious treats, festive songs played by the brass band and danced in Claremont Park.

For the main switch on moment, we were joined by residents, parents, teachers and Claremont Primary school children who sang Christmas carols. Cricklewood Ward Councillors, Councillor Anne Clarke and Councillor Alan Schneiderman brought the crowd together for an exciting countdown to light up the magnificent tree.

Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sports, and Cricklewood Ward Member, Councillor Anne Clarke, said: “Brent Cross Town winter light’s switch on is always a joyful occasion where the community comes together. Well done and thank you to students from Claremont Primary School for their beautifully sung carols and happy holidays to all.”

The community also enjoyed a surprise performance by LED drummers called ‘Spark!’ who kept the festivities buzzing right after the tree was switched on.  Popular Oompah brass band also played music throughout the evening whilst attendees were treated to mulled wine, hot chocolate, and seasonal treats provided by Gussy’s. Special guests, Father Christmas and his merry elf went around to greet the crowds and take photos with families to capture joyful memories from the day.

This year, Brent Cross Town planted their very own 12ft tall Christmas tree which will be used for future switch on events in the coming years as a way of contributing to the neighbourhood’s sustainability commitments.

Thank you to everyone who attended the switch on and if you missed the event, you can still wander around Claremont Park and enjoy the lights which will be on display until the new year.

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