The holiday cheer was in full swing on Tuesday 12 November 2024, as 45 children from Hampden Gurney C of E Primary School switched on the Edgware Road Christmas Lights, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
The festivities began at Nutford Place, where the children captivated families and passersby with heartwarming renditions of Christmas classics such as Feliz Navidad, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, In the Bleak Midwinter and Away in a Manger, bringing smiles and applause from the crowd and setting the perfect festive tone.
With carols complete, it was time for the big countdown. Excitement grew as the children gathered, leading everyone in counting down to the switch-on moment. When the countdown hit zero, Edgware Road lit up with dazzling Christmas lights, with the children’s faces as bright as the lights, capturing the magic of the season.
After the switch-on, Marble Arch BID and the London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch invited the children into the cosy warmth of the hotel where Cllr Barbara Arzymanow presented each child with a personalised certificate as a thank you for helping to light up the Edgware Road Christmas lights.
The afternoon wrapped up with a sweet treat, as the hotel staff served up hot chocolates and cookies to the young carolers. With festive tunes in the background, the children delighted in decorating their hot chocolates with marshmallows and chocolate chips, laughing and sharing stories as they enjoyed this Christmassy moment.
A special thank you to Cllr Barbara Arzymanow for presenting the certificates and to the London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch and their wonderful staff for their hospitality and delicious hot chocolates.
