GRAYS town centre will be lit up this winter with a Christmas lights extravaganza on November 19.

A feast of festive fun will take place on the day thanks to a working group of Thurrock Council, South Essex College, Grays Shopping Centre, Thameside Theatre and Hughmark.

College students will be part of the event every step of the way, from organising the technical aspects of the evening to performing on the night.

Taking place at the college’s campus and the High Street, the event will also include involvement from local schools and community groups with special guests to headline.

Production Arts students will help plan the event, taking part in meetings leading up to the big day. Plus managing some of the stages with sound and lighting on the night.

Performing Arts students will show off their talents, singing and dancing to festive numbers throughout the event.

The College’s Waves restaurant will play host to a VIP reception, treating special guests to mince pies and mulled wine before they make their way down the high street to watch the performances and light switch-on.

Photography and Film students will also be using their skills to capture all the festive action on the day. Plus Graphic Design students have created the promotional material for the event.

Angela O'Donoghue, Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity for our students, so many of them will get to work on live briefs because of this event.

“We’re also extremely proud to be working with the Council, local businesses and the community to deliver this event to Thurrock.”

The events at the college will run from 2pm-7pm. The light switch on will be at 6pm.