Find local news in Kent

Home   Thanet   News   Article

Christmas lights switch-ons in Broadstairs, Ramsgate and Margate

10:07, 05 December 2017

Thanet's feeling festive following a weekend full Christmas lights switch-ons.

With a little help from Disney favourites Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Broadstairs got the Christmas fun going on Saturday afternoon.

Town mayor Cllr Peter Shaw joined in the festivities and was on hand for the switch-on, which saw Pierremont Park fill with twinkling lights.

Mayor Peter Shaw with wife Frances, and Frozen's Anna and Elsa
Mayor Peter Shaw with wife Frances, and Frozen's Anna and Elsa

Scroll down for Ramsgate Illuminations, Margate Old Town and Turner Contemporary photos.

There were plenty of festive themed stalls, a Santa’s grotto, and live music, including songs from The Warblers choir, during the afternoon, all of which was enjoyed by the crowds.

Cllr Peter Shaw said: “It was a great thrill for me and my wife Frances to be part of the Broadstairs Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday.

Charlotte Ransom and Jan Robinson
Charlotte Ransom and Jan Robinson
Eliza Galvin aged six
Eliza Galvin aged six

“Seeing so many happy faces in and around Pierremont made all the hard work put in by the town council very worthwhile.

“The town looks wonderfully festive and I hope all our residents and visitors have a very merry Christmas.”

Henry Lopez aged five meets Santa
Henry Lopez aged five meets Santa
Warblers choir leader Alison Moyna with Jane Williams
Warblers choir leader Alison Moyna with Jane Williams
Jessica Doyle aged three
Jessica Doyle aged three
Evie Geary aged five with frozen characters Elsa and Anna
Evie Geary aged five with frozen characters Elsa and Anna
The Warblers choir
The Warblers choir
Crowds gathered for the switch-on
Crowds gathered for the switch-on
Lights in Pierremont Park
Lights in Pierremont Park
Christmas lights, Broadstairs
Christmas lights, Broadstairs
Hundreds attended the event
Hundreds attended the event

Boat owners in the Royal Harbour in Ramsgate have got into the Christmas spirit, having decorated their vessels with lights.

The fantastic display lit up the waters on Friday, December 1 and will continue to light up throughout the whole of the month.

To celebrate the switch-on, crowds enjoyed music from Hotsy Totsy on Friday evening from 6pm.

Ramsgate Marina
Ramsgate Marina

Stan Jacob, of the Royal Temple Yacht Club, said: "This is the fourth year the boat owners have decorated their boats to celebrate the Christmas festival.

"They normally start lighting up from the beginning of December, and if you visit the Royal Harbour you will see a stunning display.

Ramsgate Illuminations
Ramsgate Illuminations

"Not all have lit up yet, but we hope to have a record number taking part this year.

"The Royal Temple Yacht Club will be hosting an event on the December 15 to thank those boats owners who have contributed so much of their own time, effort and money to this event."

Boat owners decorate their boats
Boat owners decorate their boats
It has become an annual event
It has become an annual event

Margate is feeling festive after both the Old Town and Turner Contemporary hit the switch on their Christmas lights.

Margate mayor, Cllr Rosamund Dixon, took centre stage to turn on the Christmas tree lights on Saturday afternoon.

Mayor's Consort Geoffrey Didon and Mayor Cllr. Rosamund Dixon
Mayor's Consort Geoffrey Didon and Mayor Cllr. Rosamund Dixon
Margate Old Town
Margate Old Town
The lights were flicked on on Saturday
The lights were flicked on on Saturday
Christmas lights in Margate
Christmas lights in Margate

Meanwhile at the Turner Contemporary, Santa made an appearance on stage – despite his very busy schedule this time of the year.

Thanet Big Sing Community Choir entertained crowds at the gallery before the switch-on, which followed a Christmas market during the day.

Turner Contemporary
Turner Contemporary

Visitors enjoyed carols, mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies.

A spokesman said: “Turner Contemporary’s Christmas lights switch-on was a great success with art-lovers, shoppers and families enjoying our Christmas makers’ market and special artist-led family workshop.

Stephen Moore and Caroline Russell
Stephen Moore and Caroline Russell

“The lights on our Christmas tree were illuminated at 6pm to the joy of a large crowd, with the atmosphere being made more magical by our resident choir, The Big Sing, and their repertoire of carols.

Thanet Big Sing Community Choir entertained before the lights were turned on
Thanet Big Sing Community Choir entertained before the lights were turned on

“Thank you to all who came and made it a wonderful start to the festive season.

“The Big Sing are returning to the gallery on Saturday, December 16, to perform a longer repertoire of carols.”

Father Christmas entertained
Father Christmas entertained
Christmas lights swtich-on at the Turner Contemporary
Christmas lights swtich-on at the Turner Contemporary

Westwood Cross celebrated their switch-on event back in November.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More