On Saturday, 17th November 2018, Cllr John Mylod, Chris Sutton and Julia Lopez MP celebrated with Hornchurch residents the turning on of the Christmas lights. The lights were turned on in the afternoon, after a fun-filled day of stalls and activities.

Cllr John Mylod said: "This years Christmas lights were probably the best for years, certainly the best attended despite the inclement weather. We were very pleased with the attendance of our very busy Mayor Cllr Patel to turn on the lights and he visited every shop to personally speak to as many people as possible. We hope the lights will attract more shoppers to Hornchurch (which is the second town in Havering) and keep our High Street busy which is good for the people of Hornchurch our shopkeepers and especially for the children."

Havering will be seeing a number of Christmas Lights across the Borough, with many towns and shopping districts being lit up for the festive period. Upminster is next, with their Christmas Lights being switched on on Thursday, 22nd November between 16:00 and 18:00.