GRAYS High Street Christmas Tree lights will be officially switched on by the Mayor of Thurrock Council at a special event in Grays High Street on Thursday, 27 November.

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

"I would especially like to thank DP World London Gateway who have supplied the tree again this year, and Impulse Leisure who are sponsoring our fantastic launch event.

"The event will be a colourful mixture of Christmas music, singing, and exciting special guests to help kick-off the festive season in Grays.

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

Get ready to start the festive season in style as Grays comes alive with Christmas cheer!

Join us from 4.30pm at Arts Outburst Studios, where you can collect a lantern and take part in our heart-warming Festive Lantern Walk down to the high street.

Once we arrive, the celebrations truly begin!

Expect joyful performances from our very own Thurrock Voices, wonderful school choirs, festive music from a live brass band, and magical roaming meet-and-greet moments with princesses.

The Mayor will lead the countdown to the official Christmas Tree Light Switch-On, and of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a special appearance from Mr & Mrs Claus!

The Christmas Tree event will start at 5pm on Thursday, 27 November.