HUNDREDS of people descended on Grays' High Street this afternoon for Grays' first ever Christmas lights official switch on.

The lights twinkled and glittered as families and couples converged to enjoy talent from TV and from not so far abroad.

Organisers for one of Grays' biggest events to date worked hard to pull together a string of talent line-up from X Factor star to local choirs. 

All the way up from the college down to the high street were stalls and performers showing off both national - and local - talent.

Further down the high street were carol-singers, children playing with giant bubble-blowers, selfies with TV stars and a Christmassy market.

The Gazette caught up with some families and managed to catch Jeff Brazier in-between thirty different selfies.

Thurrock Gazette:

Mr Brazier, who is starring as the Prince in this year’s Thameside panto Sleeping Beauty, said: “Coming back to Grays feels a bit like coming home again, I just walked back in the door and felt like I hadn't been away.

"It’s incredible what the college has done today.Some of the talent was amazing. You know, it really doesn't feel like I'm working - just like I'm out having a good time!"

Mayor Sue Gray had a big grin on her face. She said: "I'm absolutely loving it - it makes it feel like Christmas. All this hard work that goes into putting something like this on and it feels wonderful - all the people are happy and smiling."

See live tweets and pictures from the event below. Join in by tweeting #GraysLights

 

 

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