sprinkling of magic for the family

A sprinkling of magic for the family in Ilford this Christmas

Ilford Town Centre could be mistaken for the North Pole in the run up to Christmas as Santa, reindeer, elves and owls bring a touch of magic to the festivities.

The Town Centre team has lined up entertainment from the 16^th November when the Christmas lights are switched on, and children will be able to visit Santa and his reindeers, complete with sleigh, in a picketed enclosure in the pedestrianized area on the High Road.

Live owls will be visiting with their trainers, and elves will be distributing glow sticks amongst the children. To provide some accompaniment, Asian drummers will also lead a procession of popular panto characters from the The Kenneth More Theatre through the pedestrianized area and additional music will be delivered by the Redbridge Music Lounge (RML) musicians. For those that are feeling peckish an al-fresco food market will kick off on the 16^th and will continue until the 19^th November.

A variety of entertaining acts and activities will then take place every Saturday from the 26^th November leading up to Christmas, starting with a Victorian snow family courtesy of Creature Encounters and a walkabout from the RML musicians. On the 3rd there will be pedal go-karts and amongst the crowds will be a face painter and a balloon modeller to keep the children happy and a stall offering candy floss and popcorn.  On the 10^th look out for an authentic Christmas grotto with FREE presents and a festive Rodeo Reindeer!

The festivities will culminate on the 17^th December with a penguin family walkabout from Creature Encounters (see below) and entertainment from the RML musicians.

“There is a really magical feel to the entertainment we have lined up for the Christmas celebrations this year,” says Diane Norton, Ilford Town Centre Co-ordinator. “Creature Encounters are capturing the spirit of the festive season, and we have fantastic entertainers who will provide a lot of fun to shoppers and visitors as they carry out their Christmas shopping.”