Residents and businesses celebrated the annual festive lights display switch on in New Malden town centre, marking the advent of Christmas celebrations across the community.

A highlight in the calendar, the event organised by the New Malden Partnership Group was followed by an after party sponsored by Specsavers New Malden.

Given that New Malden is a highly culturally diverse community, the organisation, comprising members of the local council and business owners, aims to reflect this in its activities, events and local projects hosted across the Borough.

This year Karina Peshawaria, Retail Director, and Bhavisha Patel, Optometrist Director, who have been partners of Specsavers New Malden for just 18 months, decided to collaborate with the organisers to sponsor the after party.

Patel said: 'We love being part of the community and being members of the New Malden Partnership Group, which aims to shape changes at a local level and enhance facilities and services across the town.

'We love being part of the community and being members of the New Malden Partnership Group, which aims to shape changes at a local level and enhance facilities and services across the town,' says Specsavers New Malden's Optometrist Director, Bhavisha Patel (Image supplied)

"It's a highlight of the festive calendar when the lights are officially switched on, so it's great to see everyone coming together and getting into the spirit of Christmas."

Hosted in various venues including Jubilee Square, St George's Square, New Malden Methodist Church, and the High Street, revellers enjoyed music and entertainment, and sampled Artisan delights and eateries.

Face painting and arts and crafts added to the magic of the event, which was enjoyed by young and old alike.

Winners of the 2024 Dame Mary Perkins Award for Outstanding Clinical Customer Care in England, Specsavers New Malden is building up a reputation for delivering an exceptional standard of service.

To ensure your sight and hearing is in tip-top condition ahead of Christmas, you can book in for a sight or hearing test by calling 020 8336 7620 or you can book online.

During an eye test, Specsavers' optometrists will assess your vision as well as check the overall health of your eyes, so it's important to have regular eye tests, even if you aren't experiencing any eye issues or symptoms.

As part of Specsavers' mission to make eye health accessible to all, Specsavers also offers a Home Visits service to those that can't leave their homes unaccompanied due to disability or illness.

Specsavers' Home Visits service covers more than 90% of the UK.