Tuesday 19 October 2010

Eltham Lights Up again

The Eltham Lights Up Procession and Fireworks takes place this year on Thursday 18 November. This great event has fast become an Eltham tradition. It'll take place along the length of Eltham High Street which will be pedestrianised for this event.

Entertainment from 16.30 and the lights will be illuminated during the parade which will start at 18.00. Charity stalls will be based at Passey Place and a number of shops will be staying open late for Christmas shopping. There'll be a rooftop fireworks finale by EEAFx from 18.30 onwards (last year off the top of the M&S roof).

Emergency Exit Arts play a leading part in the event and tell us this about the theme of the event:

"Old Father Time sheds some light on the past, present and future at Eltham’s annual winter festival. EEA’s five metre high giant mechanical puppet, Old Father Time, will lead the procession with over 600 children and their families carrying lanterns. This year these handmade illuminations will be inspired by the past and the rich heritage of the borough and the present, celebrating the diversity, creativity and talents of local people and the future, looking forward to 2012 and beyond in a celebration of invention and aspirations."

We've regularly attended this event with our two young children - you can read my review and see photos of last year's event here. It's quite spectacular watching the giant, ghostly, lit-up figures processing across the (mock) tudor buildings to the sound of hypnotic, beating drums (my photo above). The shops usually stay open late especially, but parking is hell, be warned. But sadly I won't be able to go myself this year - I'm on a residential event with my university where the words 'Browne Review' will be writ large....

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