Kings Hill came together in Liberty Square on the 9th December, to start Christmas celebrations, at the second Carols Around the Christmas Tree and light switch on. The 
event was again led by St Gabriel’s and the Kings Hill Christian Fellowship, and it saw around 200 more people hear the Christmas Story and sing Carols than last year. The event generously sponsored by Liberty Property Trust, who provide the tree, lights and decorations, is set to become annual.
The tree was adorned by stars decorated by children from the reception classes of the three School’s on King Hill (Kings Hill School, The Discovery School and Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill), and other local children.
The event led by Rev. Mark Montgomery (Leader of St Gabriel’s) and Rev Matt Ross (Pastor of the Christian Fellowship) started with a bible readings readings by the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Councillor Roger Dalton, and Tom Tugendhat MP, before they were joined by Ven. Julie Conalty, Archdeacon of Tunbridge and Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army, Mark Herbert, who together switched on the Christmas Tree Lights.
Carol’s sung by all accompanied by the Maidstone Salvation Army Band, were 
interspersed by school Choirs from the three schools, singing parts of the Nativity story. The event closed with a prayer from Ven. Julie Conalty, and the all the schools together singing Midnight.
As well as a community activity to celebrate Christmas, the event had a serious side, with generous donations of toys being collected for the Salvation Army Christmas Present Appeal.
The Spitfire pub again offered free Mulled Wine and Mince Pies after the event to warm everyone up.
This great community event is set to become annual with the date already set for next year 8th December 2018.
Rev. Mark Montgomery, said “despite the cold is was great to see so many of the community gather together to sing carol’s and hear the Christmas Story, and to see it grow so much from last year. The school choirs were amazing and sang well, and all who volunteered to make the event happen (Kings Hill Rotary, members of the churches and other community spirited people) , did amazing jobs.”
Thanks go to Liberty Property Trust, Kings Hill Rotary, The Spitfire Pub, Stephanie Chapman Photography, Members of the Churches, Kings Hill School, The Discovery School, Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill, members of the public for the donations to Charity and our special guests:
The Mayor, Councillor Roger Dalton
Tom Tugendhat MBE MP
Ven Julie Conalty
Archdeacon of Tonbridge
