30/11/2023
Chiswick welcomed in the festive season on Monday (27 November) with the annual Christmas lights switch-on. It used to take place outside the George IV pub and in the past there has sometimes been a Christmas market and the Fuller’s dray horses to admire.
Last year the switch-on moved to the area around Hogarth’s statue, which is where it took place again this year, with a group of students from Chiswick School leading the Christmas carol singing, under the guidance of Tommy Robinson, the school’s creative arts coordinator.
The festive ambiance was enhanced by mince pies and Tunnock’s Teacakes and Father Christmas himself made a special appearance, giving presents to the youngest members of the crowd.
The highlight of the evening came with the illumination of a magnificent tree on the corner of Annandale Road and Chiswick High Road, as well as the lights on Devonshire Road, Chiswick High Road, and Turnham Green Terrace.
Chiswick School students performed The Twelve Days of Christmas and then the crowd was treated to a special performance by acclaimed cellist Orlando Jopling and violinist Sijie Chen from the Wild Arts opera company, who will be appearing in Chiswick again on Saturday 9 December for a performance of Handel’s Messiah at St Michael’s and All Angels Church.
