insideKENT Magazine Issue 69 - December 2017 | Page 169

NEWS
ORPINGTON LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ENJOYED ANOTHER FANTASTIC FESTIVE EVENT
IN ORPINGTON TOWN CENTRE IN NOVEMBER, AS THE HIGH STREET
WAS ILLUMINATED WITH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, GOOD CHEER AND A
SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY.
'Light Up Orpington', funded by Orpington
1st, the town centre's business community,
has grown to be a key date in the events
calendar. Orpington 1st executive director,
Sharon Baldwin, said: "It's wonderful to see a
great number of our businesses getting
involved on the night, and to see so many
families enjoying themselves. This year has
seen the largest crowd yet."
As well as performances from local theatre
schools, circus performers, rising star and
Orpingtonian Harrison J Bodnar, and a
barnstorming set by Gwen and the Good
Thing, the audience were treated to some
festive singing from a Mariachi band. LSEC
principal, Sam Parrett OBE, tweeted:
"Congratulations on another great ‘Light Up
Orpington’ event, the town centre was
buzzing."
Posting on Facebook, Orpington resident,
Tommy, said: "Kids had a great time and we
managed to discover some great new
businesses along the highstreet...it was great
to see the overwhelmingly positive
community of Orpington."
The night was capped off with the eagerly
anticipated firework display which wowed the
crowds. Petts Wood resident Laura
commented: "They were the best fireworks
I've seen in a long time. Absolutely brilliant.”
Orpington 1st BID manager, Chris Travers,
said: "Thanks to everyone who came along
and contributed to a fantastic atmosphere,
and a big thank you to all our businesses."
For more info visit
www.orpington1st.co.uk
The Walnuts Shopping Centre's free Santa's
Grotto proved extremely popular, with
hundreds of children taking the opportunity
to meet the great man, all of whom received
a free gift.
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