Mayor hails 'truly magical evening' following first ever Light Up Maldon event

By Joshua Holmes-Bright

Caroline Coastal FM broadcast live from Light Up Maldon, and interviewed guests such as Maldon Town Mayor Cllr Andrew Lay and Cllr James Burrell-Cook.

MALDON Town Council hosted a joyful Christmas lights switch-on event and market, bringing

festive cheer to the town centre.

Light Up Maldon, held on 28th November 2024, attracted a large crowd of families and friends who came together to celebrate the start of the festive season.

The festivities kicked off with a bustling market, featuring a variety of local businesses and artisans offering unique gifts, delicious treats, and handcrafted items.

The Town Hall market was particularly popular, with entertainment provided by Maldon Youth Orchestra, and choirs from Maldon Primary School, St Francis Catholic Primary, Heybridge Primary, and All Saints Primary.

Maldon Town Mayor Cllr Andrew Lay with children from Maldon Court Preparatory School. Credit: Maldon Court preparatory School.

The highlight of the evening was the Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.

Local schoolchildren, accompanied by the Mayor of Maldon, Cllr Andrew Lay, had the honour of turning on the sparkling lights that illuminated the High Street, including All Saints and St Peters churchyards, and the Moot Hall balcony.

This was followed by performances from the Big Sing Choir, Michael Glaysher as Elvis, and Maldon & District Dramatics Society.

“It was a truly magical evening, and I was delighted to share the lights switch on with the children from Maldon Court Preparatory School and Plume Academy,” said Cllr Andrew Lay, Maldon Town Mayor.

“It was wonderful to see the community come together for the evening to support and enjoy our beautiful High Street and our valued business community.”

The Salvation Army band were one of the local groups to perform at Light Up Maldon. They were interviewed live on air on Caroline Coastal FM by Ben Shahrabi.

The event also featured popular street entertainment from local groups including Maldon Community SDA Choir, Maldon Green Jackets & Dark Horse Morris Dancers, and the Salvation Army band.

Local venues supported local talent by hosting music with Rick Crawford at the Mighty Oak Tap Room and Flying Blind on the Swan balcony.

Caroline Coastal FM, the local radio station for the Maldon District and the Essex Coast, were also in attendance for Light Up Maldon.

A six-hour live programme was broadcast between their Burnham-on-Crouch studio and Maldon High Street, with live coverage of the Christmas lights switch-on, interviews with guests, and plenty of festive music!

Assistant station manager Joshua Holmes-Bright described the evening as "a delight for the entire District".

He said: "Maldon Town Council did a fantastic job with the debut of Light Up Maldon, creating a fun and festive evening that gave local businesses and talent the chance to shine.

Caroline Coastal FM with Clarks Farm Greyhound Rehoming Centre, who are currently accepting Christmas donations for their hounds.

"A big thank you to Maldon Town Council for inviting Caroline Coastal FM to be a part of this wonderful evening - we'll see you again next year!"

Maldon Town Council would like to thank everyone who attended, the generous sponsors of the event, and all who contributed to its success.