11:45am Friday 27th November 2009
ESSEX singing star Lee Mead took the town by storm when he turned on the Christmas lights in Chelmsford.
The skies had cleared of the heavy rain before the 28-year-old Southend theatre star sang Any Dream Will Do to the thousands of people who turned up on Sunday, November 22.
Lee was catapulted to fame after winning the television talent show, Any Dream Will Do, and appeared in the West End hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Lee, who was not accompanied by pregnant wife Denise Van Outen, had a busy afternoon before switching on the lights with Chelmsford mayor Tony Sach and Pudsey the Bear.
He was a judge in both a talent competition for local schoolchildren and the BBC Essex’s Shame Academy, where presenters on the radio station performed their own songs for Children in Need.
Lee, who said it was great to be back in Essex, thrilled the crowd when he burst into song before switching on the lights, which was followed by a spectacular firework display.
Chelmsford Council has signed a new five-year illuminations contract this year which doubles the area now lit up.
Chelmsford Weekly News was one of the event’s sponsors.
Kris Chandler, advertising team leader from the paper, said: “It was a great privilege to be associated with the Chelmsford Lighting-up cermony as we are the only free and largest community newspaper in the area.”
It was a double whammy for Chelmsford as the turn on of Moulsham Street’s Lights also took place on Saturday.
In a weekend that marks the start of Christmas for the county town, a colourful procession lead by Father Christmas wound its way along the shopping area.
David Meadows, chairman of the Moulsham Traders, said: “The procession was huge this year.
“Brian Pawsey, former chairman who retired, came back to help and was able to spend all his time getting it organised with town centre manager Michael Wray.
“As the procession went along Moulsham Street, each of the 80 Christmas tree lights was turned on.
“We had the whole street lined with people.”
The road was closed from noon. Leading up to the procession at 4.30pm there was a variety of street entertainment with dancers, singers, a funfair and stalls.
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