By Nangamso Mabindla
13 December 2004

THOUSANDS of East Londoners rushed to the Esplanade on Saturday December 11 for the official opening of the festive season and the switching on of the Christmas lights along the Esplanade and Oxford Street.

Speaking at the occasion, the city's Executive Mayor, Sindisile Maclean, said he always looked forward to seeing locals and tourists enjoying themselves after a long working year.

"We need to relax and enjoy the festive season and get away from all the stresses of work life," said Maclean. "This switching on of lights is always one of the highlights of the year for our residents."

Maclean urged locals to stay in East London for the summer and enjoy its beaches. "We don't want people going to Cape Town, Durban or the Nelson Mandela Metro," said Maclean, urging resident to support the local economy.

The city's beaches were improving and Gonubie recently received blue flag status. "We need all our beaches to receive blue flag status so that we get more tourists during the ever popular festive season," he added.

An area of concern for the city during the festive season was the provision of security for the thousands expected on the city's beaches. "We will have our police working with the country's police services to keep our people safe during the holidays, especially on Christmas and New Year's Day."

However, the occasion was about having fun - and as soon as the lights were switched on the evening took on a carnival atmosphere.

The crowd on the Esplanade cheered as fireworks lit up the East London sky. "I now declare the festive season open," said Maclean.