The Christmas illuminations were ignited this week in Gravesend town centre, and the ceremony was attended by over 600 school children, the Mayor of Gravesham, hundreds of local residents, and of course, Ex-Eastenders star, Jamie Foreman.

Foreman, who is starring in the Woodville Halls' Christmas production of Aladdin, attended the ceremony and was awarded the honour of switching on the lights which thankfully ignited without a hitch. Foreman's appearance wasn't the only source of entertainment however, there were also performances from local brass and samba bands. There was also a performance by local Bhangra troop, '4x4', a troop that have in fact also played at the Woodville Halls.  

It wasn't just the street lights that ignited at the ceremony, the 40-foot Christmas tree in the plaza outside of the Woodille Halls also came alive, laced with multicoloured bulbs. The tree had been standing erect in the plaza for a week leading up to the ceremony however it was only after Foreman flipped the switch  that onlookers could appreciate the tree in all of its glory.

The procession through the town centre began at 16:30 and was led by Jack Frost and the Ice Maiden and they were followed by 600 hundred school children and the Mayor of Gravesham, all of which were carrying lanterns. The procession ended at the plaza and the illuminations were ignited at 17:15.

 

 

Faber Whitehouse              Gravesend Grammar School