Lights and laughter, thrills and frills, Light Up Orpington was back once again for 2022. Sunday evening’s spectacle in the town centre attracted many to its yearly Christmas lights celebration.

 

By half past 4, there were already streams of people mulling around the pedestrianised high street. Nearer to the war memorial stood a few of the fairground activities, including the exhilarating Helter-skelter, mysterious Glass Maze and alluring Crooked Cottage: all a paradise for frenzied toddlers. Families, friends, and couples strolled through the endless array of market stalls: Candy Cottage, VR Games, Giant Snow Globe, Hot Chocolate, Donuts, and German Chocolate Kisses to name a few. Twirling acro-dancers in Santa costumes spun with their vibrantly glowing hula hoops. Many were brimming with satisfaction while enjoying a hot glass of traditional mulled wine, the rich aromatic spices providing warmth in the biting November cold. A few steps further and the heavenly smell of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon sugar woven together enveloped the passerby’s, enticing them to indulge to their heart’s content. 

                      

The main highlights of the excursions were undoubtedly the Carousel and Ferris Wheel – both adorned with twinkling fairy lights as well as lengthy unappetising queues. By the main stage, Christmas songs blasted out from the loudspeakers. Popular hits and festive tunes brought back wave upon wave of nostalgia, from Merry Christmas Everyone to Jingle Bell Rock. Throughout the evening, there were a collection of live performances on the main stage featuring Renegade Blues Brothers and Dread Centre among others (as well as the second stage by the Walnuts). 

 

From 5:30 pm onwards, Lucy Griffiths Dance and Theatre academy performed a variety of spectacular dances in front of the Walnuts Shopping Centre. Some were charmed by the adorable group of little children while others were astounded by the infectious energy and technical prowess of the advanced group. Just around the corner, the area by the library, had itself transformed into a mini Christmas extravaganza. The successful Fresh Donuts stall sold hot churros and doughnuts served with a choice of 4 delectable sauces – Belgium chocolate, white chocolate, Nutella and Biscoff.

 

As the fireworks finale approached, darkness had completely consumed the sky, bringing an excruciatingly icy chill along with it. Despite this, merry laughter was still abundant while attendees feasted on grilled burgers and hot dogs. At last, the crowds made their way to the best viewing spots, heads bobbing in anticipation like ducks in a river. At last, the fireworks commenced slightly before 7. Flickers and bursts of colour dancing in harmony painted their stories across the vast canvas of the clear night.               

Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience and definitely visit again worthy event.