GRAYS High Street was brought to life on Thursday, 27 November as the community gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Lights Switch-On event at 5pm.

The celebration welcomed residents who enjoyed an evening filled with festive entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities.

Visitors enjoyed live performances, food stalls, a lantern parade, and a variety of fairground rides.

singing on the stage added to the atmosphere as the countdown began.

The highlight of the evening came when Mayor of Thurrock Cllr Sue Shinnick officially switched on the Christmas lights and illuminated the town's Christmas tree, which was supplied by DP World London Gateway.

Cllr Shinnick said: "Christmas is just around the corner and it was fantastic to bring festive cheer back to Grays by switching on the Christmas Tree lights.

"I especially wanted to thank DP World London Gateway who supplied the tree again this year, and Impulse Leisure who sponsored our fantastic launch event.

"The event was a colourful mixture of Christmas music, singing, and exciting special guests who helped kick off the festive season in Grays.

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"Thurrock has such a fantastic range of local shops and businesses, and I hope that as many people as possible would support them by shopping locally this Christmas."