On Thursday 24 November, Teddington high street was taken over by pop ups, stalls and performances, under the freshly hung decor of its annual Lights Up celebration.
Featuring festive singing on the High Street stage, mulled wine galore and a newly instated tree fully decked out in lights, this event, marking a month until Christmas, drew in ample members of the community, and signalled the official start to the festive season.
Every year, roads are closed and neighbours gather in the streets, creating a cheery and lively atmosphere that undeniably embodies the spirit of the holiday season. With a vast selection of food and treats available from numerous stands, vans and shops who keep their doors open long past regular closing time, friends, families and couples are seen to stroll up and down the closed streets, enjoying the many festivities.
This year, performances on the main high street stage featured Richmond Theatre, ‘The Teddingtones’, ‘D’artagnan’, ‘Steeling Scarlett’ and ‘The Dekkertones’, and drew a crowd, as usual, looking to laugh and sing along to well-loved tunes. On Broad Street, shops stayed open late and on Church Road, outdoor stalls sprawled, selling everything from candyfloss to shawls to stone baked pizza.
Local, Anna Hill comments: “I come every year and it’s always great. I’ve bought some fudge and some records and I’m feeling very Christmassy!”
Officially starting at 4:00pm and ending at 8:00pm, the event was a great place for fundraising and of course igniting a festive spirit. With a kid’s car carousel, a mix of modern and classic music, and mince pies everywhere you turn, Teddington Lights Up was an event geared towards the whole family, and had a warm, buzzing atmosphere despite the biting winter air.
After all, there is no better way to kick off the holiday season and spread festive cheer than with good food, good music and great company.
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