Boyband December 10 will switch on Hampstead’s Christmas lights on Sunday, at a free family celebration on the High Street.
The event takes place on Hampstead High Street on Sunday 15 November, running from 4pm to 7pm, with the lights switch-on scheduled for 6.50pm.
The seven-member pop band, who were formed by music mogul Simon Cowell, said: “This will be our first ever Christmas lights switch-on and we can’t wait.”
“A massive thank you to everyone coming down to celebrate with us — see you on Sunday,” the band added.
December 10 began their journey on Netflix’s Simon Cowell: The Next Act last year, and the British-Irish band have quickly built a large following. In just one year, they have achieved half a billion social media views, 30 million global streams, 3.3 million followers, 40,000 tickets sold and a top five spot on the UK Albums Chart.
This year’s family-friendly event is organised by the Hampstead Village Committee, and the decorations and event have been made possible by generous donations from locals and businesses. The event will also feature an expanded lights display along the High Street, made possible by donations from residents, shopkeepers and sponsors.
Highlights include a visit from Santa and his reindeer, carols from school choirs, a mini funfair, food stalls and craft activities such as hair braiding, squishy making, arts and crafts, and airbrush tattoos.
The entertainment line-up features dancers from BOP (Be On Pointe), Devonshire House, and the Heath Street Baptist Church carol singers. There will also be two DJ sets from former rugby player James Haskell, and the Mayor of Camden, Tricia Leman, will be in attendance. Performances from local talent will include Lila Rae, MAZE and The Souvenirs.
Sara Dein, of the Hampstead Village Committee, said: “The High Street is buzzing with excitement ahead of Sunday’s event.”
“As a local resident and mum of children who attend local schools, Hampstead is a very special place to me,” she said. “We wanted to bring the community together, celebrate our wonderful High Street and support the local businesses that make Hampstead Village so unique.”
“It’s been incredible to see so many residents, schools and local businesses come together to make our first ever Christmas lights switch-on event possible,” she added. “It really does take a village, and we hope this will be the start of a wonderful new Hampstead Christmas tradition.”
The switch-on is one of several festive events across the capital this weekend, with Christmas lights being switched on across London and the London Eye unveiling its own Christmas lights with free nightly shows.
Entry to Sunday’s Hampstead celebration is free, and families are welcome throughout the afternoon and evening.
