Putney officially lit up for Christmas last night as crowds packed into St Mary’s Square for the annual lights switch-on ceremony – and what a tree-mendous evening it was.
The free community event, organised by Positively Putney, transformed the heart of the town centre into a winter wonderland from 3pm, with local school choirs entertaining the steadily growing crowds throughout the afternoon. Wrapped-up families clutched warming drinks, children darted between fairground rides, and the smell of sizzling German sausages drifted through the crisp November air.
Our Lady of Victories, The Roche School, All Saints, Oasis Academy, Hotham Community Choir, Hurlingham School, Ark Putney Academy and Putney Stagecoach all took to the stage in succession, performing everything from traditional carols to contemporary Christmas bangers. Riverside Radio compered proceedings with infectious enthusiasm, keeping spirits high between acts.
The main event came at 6pm sharp, when Santa himself hit the big red button to set Putney’s magnificent tree ablaze with golden light, with the man in red bearing more than a passing resemblance to Graham from Morrows. The packed square erupted as hundreds of bulbs flickered into life against the night sky.
The season begins
Vintersol Distillery kept the cold at bay with warming tipples from their spot under the arches on Winthorpe Road, while the Rotary Club provided fairground fun for the little ones. Keep your eyes peeled for their Santa Sleigh touring Putney’s streets in the coming weeks – they’ll be out collecting for good causes, so have some change at the ready.
The festivities spilled merrily into The Rocket and across to St Mary’s Church courtyard, where the Christmas tree sale was doing brisk business. Group 64 Theatre for Young People and Lucie Benson School of Dance rounded out the evening’s entertainment as families headed home with rosy cheeks and, for some, a freshly purchased fir.
Yule be glad to hear this is just the beginning. Today, ice sculptures appear throughout the town centre and pantomime season kicks off next week with four productions within easy reach, including Putney Arts Theatre’s Peter Pan-to, where tickets for under-12s are just £5. Oh yes it is.
For the full rundown of six weeks of Christmas events, dining options, carol services and more, visit our complete Christmas guide at putney.news/christmas.
The lights are on. Christmas in Putney has officially begun.
