MARK DOVER JOINED THE SIMPSONS TO LAUNCH ROMFORD’S CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

On Thursday, 13 November 2008, the world famous Simpsons turned on the lights that heralded the start of the most exciting and biggest Christmas Party Romford has ever seen.

Centred around Market Place, a giant 12m x 6m stage and 12m plasma screen ensured that everyone who came into Town for ‘The’ event of the year was able to see and enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Soon after 4pm huge crowds were gathered in the Market Place

At 4pm, Time 107.5 Breakfast Show's Mark Dover kick started the evening from the stage and introduced local entertainment from Lucinda Rhodes Flahery and top local band, the Dualers as well as festive songs from the choir of St Edwards Church .

Time 107.5's Mark Dover was the compere

Revelers also enjoyed breathtaking acrobatic displays by The Black Eagles from Tanzania, Santa’ Showtime singing, music and merriment with the ‘old chap’, Rudi the Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman, and appearances by colourful characters from the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch’s pantomine Dick Whittington.

The amazing Black Eagles in action

Crowds gathered at 4pm to catch the first performances on the big stage

The build up to the switch on built up at 5.50pm when a Australian pyrotechnic display lit up the stage as Flame Oz amazed the crowds with their fantastic fire juggling show.

A big screen meant that everyone knew what was happening

To turn on the Christmas Lights at 6pm ten year old Joseph Kelly from Harold Hill, winner of the Romford Record and Romford Revivals "Simpsons’ Spot the Difference Competition" became the fourth member of The Simpsons family as he joined Homer, Marge and Bart on stage.

Joseph Kelly prepares to grab the plunger and turn on the lights as Mark counts down!

By 6pm the Market Place was packed with thousnands of people to see the lights go on

Celebrations then continued until 8pm in each of the three shopping centres with Santa and his team meeting and greeting his friends at The Mall, The Simpsons enjoying some family shopping at The Brewery, and shows by the Black Eagles and the Amazing Titan the Robot in The Liberty.

Time promo girls Amy and Lauren handed out Time 107.5 car stickers

Mark Dover joined the Simpsons family on stage

The celebrations were organised by the Romford Town Centre Partnership.