On November 29th Team London Bridge hosted the annual London Bridge Christmas Carols and Lantern Parade, marking the start of Christmas in the area.
As the Snow Queen and Angel accompanied the lantern parade along the riverside and across Tooley Street, the Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Catherine Rose, led the children in counting down the switch-on of the Christmas tree lights at Potters Fields Park, Hay's Galleria and London Bridge Station.
Stopping at each location for rousing renditions of some favourite carols, the children proudly displayed their hand-made lanterns created with local artist Helen Harrison from Arts Desire and funded by Potters Fields Park Management Trust.
The evening was brimming with community spirit, seeing local businesses Hotel Chocolate and Pret a Manger contributing delicious festive treats and hot drinks to warm up the crowds. On arriving at London Bridge Station the children were delighted to see Santa, his elves and Hamley Bear waiting for them to launch the seasonal display beside the Tooley Street entrance.
Along with the opening of Christmas by the River in London Bridge City on the same evening, this years' festive season has now truly started in London Bridge.