The Chislehurst Christmas Light Event took place on Saturday 1st December 2012 from 3pm - 4pm outside Queens Head Pub in Chislehurst (by the pond).

The event was organised by the 'Chislehurst Town Centre Management Group' which is made up of local retailers, businesses and community groups in and around Chislehurst High Street and Belmont Parade.

The event was a huge success, really inspiring local businesses and residents to get into the Christmas spirit.

There was, of course, a visit from Santa (a local resident who is married to a volunteer from the 2gether charity shop).

He started by visiting the 2gether shop on the High Street. Children chatted with him and were given a free pack of sweets.

One mum said ''Seeing Father Christmas today was a lovely start of the season. You made our day. That's what Christmas is about - a little bit of childlike happiness in the company of family and friends, nothing much, but at the same time A LOT! '

Another mum said ' I have 4 children and I could not afford to take them to see Father Christmas - thank you so much'

At 3pm Santa wandered up to the Queens Head and once again made the children very happy - Chatting with the children and handing out some more free treats.

Between 3 -4pm everyone turned their attention to the 35 strong group of singers from "Popchoir", who  created a real buzz on the High Street. They sang out and even got everyone singing along!There was a huge crowd on the forecourt of the Queens Head and on the pavement, enjoying the spectacle.

The wonderful staff at the Queens Head brought out a stream of complimentary non-alcoholic mulled wine  for all the visitors to sample.

We raised a fantastic £250 from selling raffle tickets. The money will go towards the lights and the organisers were very graetful to the local retailers who kindly donated all the prizes.

At 4pm Father Christmas - our special guest switched on the lights and they looked just lovely.

The event was a huge success. There was buzzing atmosphere and a real sense of community. Chislehurst is a wonderful place to live and visit; a mixture of great places to eat, shop and places to visit, such as the ponds - so these events bring everyone together and celebrate what as good about this area. It is so wonderful when local businesses can  work together to improve the life of Chislehurst.

Events like these just wouldn't be possible without the support of local businesses. Next year, we are hoping that with a bit of encouragement and the build up of a support network we will have an even bigger event.