Many people are thrilled by the thoughts of Christmas and are constantly anticipating for that enchanting month on the calendar. Christmas is so special that a large portion of the population start their countdown as soon as the previous Christmas has even finished! It is because when Christmas is near people become patriotic during the preparation period and they generally seem to feel better, merrier and livelier.

Which is why 15th November 2014 was a must-see phenomenon as the whole of Sutton was invited to observe Sutton high street transform into a mini festive Oxford Street, from 5pm. Swarms of people clustered around the stage, situated at the top of the high street near Maplin, at least twenty minutes before 5pm to get a reasonable view. The traditional well-known festive music lingered and increased the Christmas spirit while we waited for the star of the evening… Santa Claus and family waddled on stage and brought the children to tears of astonishment. Finally the recently active boy band Five (or should I say two,) received a roaring welcome from the crowd, as Scott Robinson and Ritchie Neville successfully performed their greatest hits that kept the crowd moving and grooving.

Who would have thought, a concert in Sutton? Sutton was throbbing with the vibrations of the loud music, hundreds of swaying arms whilst Five interacted with the crowd and we were submerged by the ear unbearable screams and sing-a-longs. All in all from small children to the elderly, everybody was satisfied.

It got to that touching moment where we all chanted the countdown in unison, from ten to one, and Five immediately pushed the plunger that switched on all the Christmas lights. Enchantingly we were all showered with a storm of confetti as Sutton illuminated with Christmas sparkle.

~ Young Reporter, Giovanna Scozzari

St Philomena's High School for Girls