When thousands came to see Benoni’s Christmas lights
These lovely lights were not only used at Christmas time, but also for carnivals, fiestas, Mardi Gras and jubilees.
Over 20 000 people came from all over the East Rand to see Benoni transformed into a fairyland on Monday night, December 1953, when the municipal Christmas lighting scheme came into operation and the Christmas procession was staged.
Cars started pouring into the town at 6pm and by 7pm it was impossible to find a parking space within half a mile (800m) of Prince’s Avenue.
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At 7.30pm, the Benoni Town Hall became a floodlit palace, guarded on either side by gigantic Christmas sentries in their most colourful uniforms. Standing in an orange candlestick in front of the Town Hall, a 30-foot high candle, with a flickering flame, added the finishing touches to the breath-taking spectacle.
The Imperial Light Horse Band, under Captain M Rowe, entertained the crowds on the town hall steps from 7pm to 8pm and, of course, carols were included in their programme.
Simultaneously, the town hall and one section of Prince’s Avenue was illuminated.
Water caused the electrical system in the centre of the town to fuse, and the fault was quickly corrected.
Prince’s Avenue stretched as far as the eye could see under a canopy of beautifully coloured lights.
A giant Christmas card welcomed motorists travelling into town through Dunswart on Main Reef Road.
Men, women and children crowded the pavements of Prince’s Avenue to watch the procession of pipe bands escort Father Christmas.
The procession, which commenced at the corner of Prince’s Avenue and Swan Street, was led by the Springs Caledonian Pipe Band, and was followed by Clr WA Davey and his wife in the mayoral car.
Pipers preceded the gaily decorated sleigh bearing Father Christmas was drawn by four white reindeer with illuminated antlers.
Four more pipe bands followed.
Children along the route cheered as Father Christmas went by, waving a white handkerchief, and many of them followed the sleigh, hoping to get a closer view of the grand old gentleman.
After passing the town hall, the procession turned up Park Street and went on to Willowmoore Park, where over 10 000 people were waiting for them.
The illuminated bus will be well remembered as it toured the town during these festivities.
Source: Benoni Mercury, Dec 1953 and articles in newspapers.
Updated: Glynis Cox Millett-Clay (August 18, 2017/November 13, 2019)
