FESTIVE cheers filled Rayleigh last night as hundreds of residents took to the streets for the town’s annual Christmas light switch-on. 

Families filled the High Street to watch performances from choirs, indulge in street food and celebrate before the big switch-on saw the town lit up in an array of bright lights. 
Daisy, Isabell, Jessica and Bonnie were dressed for the occasionDaisy, Isabell, Jessica and Bonnie were dressed for the occasion (Image: George Pizani)

Organised by Rayleigh Town Council, this year’s event was hailed as the “best yet” by families.
Friends Claire Mason and Lacey Pink were among hundreds in attendance to enjoy the festivities.  


“We’ve been to a few of the switch-ons for previous Christmases but this is by far the best. It’s been so well organised and is so much busier than normal,” said Claire. Ta-dah! Rayleigh's lights illuminate the High StreetTa-dah! Rayleigh's lights illuminate the High Street (Image: George Pizani)

“We’re both teachers at Our Lady of Ransom and I think this is the first year ever that we haven’t had a choir on stage.”

However, despite their school not being represented, the pair were still enjoying the atmosphere. 

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“It’s been really festive, and everyone seems very positive,” said Lacey.

Teachers Claire Mason and Lacey Pink brought their children along to the eventTeachers Claire Mason and Lacey Pink brought their children along to the event (Image: George Pizani)

The McAllen family were grateful that there was no rainThe McAllen family were grateful that there was no rain (Image: George Pizani)  

For the McAllen family, the reason behind the success of this year’s switch-on was the weather.When asked why the event stood out from previous, they replied: “It’s dry!”

The Edlers, from Rayleigh, showed up to support their communityThe Edlers, from Rayleigh, showed up to support their community (Image: George Pizani)  

It wasn’t just residents who were enjoying the atmosphere at the switch-on, the High Street was also lined with a variety of market stalls. 

Jo Brown spends the year making her bespoke filled baubles ahead of a busy Christmas selling season.

She said that switch-ons and Christmas markets were crucial to her business, The Bauble Lady, and welcomes more similar events.

“Events like these are my bread and butter. I spend so long making these decorations that it’s always exciting when it gets to showing them off,” said Jo. 

Jo Brown aka. The Bauble Lady (R) and a friend were busy selling the handmade decorations Jo Brown aka. The Bauble Lady (R) and a friend were busy selling the handmade decorations (Image: George Pizani)
Although her quirky decorations take months to prepare, Jo said the process is something she finds relaxing and enjoyable.

The event has become increasingly popular with residents of Rayleigh and the surrounding area after bouncing back from cancellation during the Covid pandemic.

As part of the switch-on, extra public parking was put on at Fairview playing field car park.