This news article was published in 2020 so refers to a past event.
As we get close to what is a special time of year for many people, Barking and Dagenham Council is keen to put a smile back on people’s faces and bring a bit of ‘Christmas Cheer’ to people in the borough.
With big outdoor events not possible this year, the council is bringing its own festive family fun show, Barking Mad about Christmas, online and into people’s homes on Saturday 5 December 2020.
The event is full of popular festive entertainment including fan favourite, Mr Frostie, who will be telling the story of ‘A Christmas Tale’. The young people of Marsh Green Primary school in Dagenham will be singing Christmas carols and songs. And the council will ask, ‘Who ate all the cookies?’ in an interactive ‘who dunnit?’ mystery show played by local funny man Matty May and illustrated by the young and very talented Emmanuel Oreyeni.
I am very much looking forward to all the Christmas fun, singing and community spirit I know this event will bring.
There will be a hilarious Christmas gameshow, full of wonderful Christmas trivia which will be played by the Leader of the Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell and His Worshipful the Mayor, Cllr Peter Chand. This will be followed by Christmas crafts and baking workshops as well as the traditional switch on of the borough’s Christmas tree by Santa himself!
Not only that, there will also be a BIG Christmas community sing-along, where people can follow the words on the screen and sing-along together with that community spirit Barking and Dagenham is known for. People will also be encouraged to film themselves singing, for a special community sing-along video which the council will create and share across social media.
Sadly, meeting Santa in person isn’t possible this year, but the council has organised a virtual Santa’s grotto on Sunday 6 December, where children will get to speak to the big man himself through their laptop and from the comfort of their own home. Residents can book a family visit to see Santa and will get a free present for their child/children sent to their homes!
Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “We know it hasn’t been easy for our residents this year, and it will be especially tough during a time when many people would normally be getting together with family and friends. Bringing our festive Barking Mad about Christmas event into residents’ homes is just one festive thing we can do, to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the borough. I am very much looking forward to all the Christmas fun, singing and community spirit I know this event will bring.”