The Edgware Road Christmas Lights were switched on following a rousing count down by children from Connaught House School Drama Club on Tuesday 12 November 2019.
The excited group of youngsters counted down to the switch on with real enthusiasm and their faces lit up as the lights came on above them in the trees and lamp columns along the length of Edgware Road.
Mission complete, Marble Arch BID staff welcomed the children, their families and guardians and other esteemed guests from the local area into the warmth of the Victory Services Club (VSC). Welcome drinks and delicious canapés were provided by the friendly staff of the VSC and everyone mingled to a Christmassy soundtrack, heralding the start of the festive season.
Nigel Beet, Chairman of Marble Arch London BID and Club Secretary/CEO of Victory Services Club, opened proceedings, welcoming everyone to the reception and congratulating the children on the successful switch on.
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive of Marble Arch London BID thanked the various partners without whom the annual lights switch on could not happen, particularly Transport for London and lighting experts, Field & Lawn.
Kay also highlighted the upcoming 2020 ballot renewal process. This will see the BID engaging with members and local stakeholders to discuss how we can continue to work with local businesses and partners to improve and celebrate the local area, providing a strong, collective voice for Edgware Road and Marble Arch for years to come.
Formalities done with, entertainment came from the children of the Connaught House School Drama Club, who took to the stage to recite Christmas poems. The confident and amusing performances of quirky pieces such as “Christmas Thank You” by Mick Gowar, “Mother Christmas” by Roald Dahl and “Twelve Days Correspondence” by John Julius Norwich thoroughly impressed and entertained everyone. The children also provided fantastic Christmas card artwork to brighten up the walls of the reception room.
All the children received huge and warm applause and were presented with certificates and gift vouchers as a thank you for both switching on the Edgware Road Christmas lights and entertaining the guests so brilliantly.
