Wanstead's Christmas lights are moving to Christchurch Green
Wanstead's Christmas lights switch-on is at Christchurch Green on Friday 20 November, with an extra tree lit earlier at George Green. Vision RCL, which runs the event for Redbridge Council, says the move follows a review of event arrangements and health and safety.
George Green regulars, take a deep breath. This year's Wanstead Christmas lights switch-on is happening on Christchurch Green instead, on Friday 20 November, with an additional tree lit earlier that day at George Green, Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure (Vision RCL) has announced.
The charity runs the borough's switch-ons for Redbridge Council. In an announcement on 23 October, it said the Wanstead and Seven Kings events had moved "following a review of event arrangements and health and safety considerations". It doesn't say what prompted the review, beyond the events' popularity.
"As these much-loved events have grown in popularity, moving them to larger, more suitable spaces will help ensure everyone can continue to enjoy the celebrations in a safe, welcoming and festive environment," it says. It accepts the change may sting: "We recognise that George Green holds a special place in the Wanstead community," and board chair Martin Solder said it "may be disappointing for some residents", with decisions made "with the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, staff and performers at the heart of our planning". We found no further explanation, such as a safety assessment or past crowd figures, from Vision or Redbridge Council, and we haven't asked either for comment.
The practical bit:
- When: Friday 20 November. Vision says its switch-ons "will start at approximately 16:00"; Redbridge Council's listing gives 16:00 to 18:00 for Wanstead.
- Where: Christchurch Green Recreation Ground, Wanstead High Street (E11 2RH, per Vision's park page).
- What to expect: performances from local schools and choirs, Redbridge Creates, and an extract from this year's Pop-Up Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. Wanstead also gets, in Vision's words, "not forgetting Steve the Milkman".
- George Green: "an additional Christmas tree in its usual location", lit earlier on 20 November. No time has been given.
If you fancy a bigger tour, Vision's other council-backed switch-ons are:
- Sunday 22 November: Valentines Mansion & Gardens
- Tuesday 24 November: outside Hainault Library
- Thursday 26 November: Barkingside, outside Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre and Library
- Friday 27 November: Seven Kings, Barley Lane Recreation Ground (moved). The tree outside Seven Kings Station "will also continue to shine throughout the festive season".
Two more are run separately: Ilford on Saturday 21 November (Ilford Business District; lights on at 17:30, says Vision) and South Woodford on Friday 4 December (South Woodford Society, from 15:30). The council's listing and Vision's announcement differ on the Ilford venue and time, so check the organisers before you travel.
More on the month in our what's on in Wanstead in November guide.
