Gravesham's Christmas lights have been turned on and a poignant video released vowing a return to much-missed celebrations.

The video begins with Gravesham Mayor, Cllr John Caller, pressing a red button to turn on the Christmas lights.

The Christmas lights switch-on video by Gravesham council

But instead of the usual parade through town involving hundreds of people and costumed characters, he instead walks up the High Street alone.

A voiceover says: "We know that Christmas this year will feel different.

"Family gatherings may be smaller, our festive get-togethers may happen virtually, but Christmas will be as always, a time to care for one another and to be together."

It goes on to talk about how the community has come together to support one another during the pandemic, and that people can still share in the "love and light" by coming to see the displays while following government advice on numbers and social distancing.

It then features clips from previous parades through town, vowing "We will be back."

Due to current Covid-19 regulations, the Christmas Lights trail planned with Cohesion Plus last weekend was postponed.

Commenting on the video, Genny Jones –known to many as the Confident Queen – said: "Wow. This made me feel a bit sad seeing the lonely figure walking through a town centre that will usually be buzzing at this time as we watch the light switch. Anyway we have to make the most of life as it is."

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