THE LOCAL charities and celebrities appearing at this year's Teddington Lights Up have been revealed, as have the heroic sponsors whose support means this year's event can go ahead.

Former Arsenal footballer Paul Merson, who lives in Teddington, will be switching on the lights along with Santa and the Deputy Mayor.

Park Lane Stables RDA, the beloved charity who are set to return to Teddington following a battle to save their home, will be offering pony rides down Church Road.

Teddington RNLI, Twickenham Fire Station, Teddington Choral Society and the Salvation Army Band will also be making appearances at the event this month.

But Teddington Lights Up wouldn't be going ahead without the heroic local businesses who are sponsoring the night of Christmas celebration.

The Park restaurant and hotel, Greenacre Financial Services and Teddington Carpets are the headline sponsors for the evening.

All three emphasised the importance that the annual Christmas Lights Up plays to the Teddington community.

Platinum partners The Park said it was proud to be sponsoring the event, stating: "The Park is a business at the heart of Teddington and when we took over in 2018 we wanted to make it the cornerstone of the community. Having been welcomed by everybody with open arms and minds, we believe it is our duty to give something back.

"Its an honour to be able to contribute to the town's Christmas experience in such a positive way.

"Teddington Lights Up is such an integral part of our seasonal celebrations; hearing the choir, seeing the excited faces of the children, the lantern parade, plus tasting all the amazing festive foods and drinks. It's about all the business owners & residents knitting together to make one happy tapestry.

"Christmas means coming together and we are delighted to be supporting our community by helping in some small way to spread some festive joy.

"Please join for Pub Choir warm-ups and to hear the Salvation Army band playing in our garden before the great 'Light's Up,' from 5-6pm on the 25th November. Bring your little ones along to meet a fire fighter with his amazing fire engine too."

Greenacre, a family-run mortgage services who also have a partnership with Teddington Nub News, are Gold partners and are sponsoring the event's main stage.

Managing Director Greg Stanworth said: "We are really proud to be supporting this years Teddington Lights Up event.

"Following the challenging last 18 months and not being able to celebrate Christmas as normal last year it's great to be able to get everyone back together to celebrate properly.

"We live and work in the community and love to be involved with local events and look forward to seeing everyone there."

Long-running Broad Street business Teddington Carpets is no stranger to community involvement and is the Silver partner for this year's event, sponsoring the tree on Church Road/Broad Street.

Managing Director Rob Wilks said: "We've been in Teddington for 59 years now and always loved Christmas Lights Up so this year to show our support more than ever decided to become a partner at the event.

"It's such a wonderful community event that we love getting involved in and considering the tough couple of years we all been through this is something that Teddington really needs."

Organisers Teddington Together paid tribute to the sponsors on social media yesterday.

The group also revealed that local resident Helen Travers had won their competition to illustrate the event poster and revealed the colourful design.

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