Islington’s Christmas light switch-ons promise to be ‘Absolutely Fabulous’

Festive celebrations start on Thursday (14 November) at Angel and build up to Archway’s switch-on celebrations on December 1, which features Absolutely Fabulous star Harriet Thorpe, along with a traditional pantomime dame and the Mayor of Islington.

Apart from admiring the lights and supporting local businesses, visitors and residents alike will be able to take part in carol singing, see free mini-pantomimes, visit Santa’s Grotto and Christmas markets along with a whole range of other family-friendly activities, entertainment and crafts from wreath-making to baubles and lanterns.  The Christmas events are as follows:

·      Thursday, 14 November – Glow in the Angel (4pm – 8pm) – an evening of entertainment, music and surprises to celebrate the Angel’s Christmas lights including lots of free, festive activities at the new Islington Square, Upper Street.

·      Saturday, 23 November – Nag’s Head Shopping Centre (1pm – 5pm) Choirs, a DJ, music, face painting, mince pies and refreshments. Lights switched on by the Mayor of Islington at 4.30pm

·      Thursday, 28 November - Tuffnell Park (Campdale Road) (4pm - 6pm) Yerbury School band, Tuffnell Park and Red Rose Singers groups, Hilldrop Community Ukelele band, St George's Church.  Lights switched on by the Mayor of Islington at 5pm.

       Saturday, 30 November – Chapel Market (12pm – 4pm) Christmas Cracker event to name Market Trader of the Year with free, hot chestnuts and live music

·      Saturday, 30 November – Finsbury Park festive lights (1pm – 5pm) Free family-friendly activities and crafts as well as seasonal refreshments at the N4 Library. Lights switched on by the Mayor of Islington at 4.30pm

·       Saturday, 30 November – Highbury Barn (6.30pm – onwards) Free family fun with carols from 6.30pm. Lights switched on by North London resident and Holby City actor David Ames at 6.45pm.

·       Sunday, 1 December – Archway festive lights (12.30pm – 5.30pm) Christmas market, Santa’s Grotto, family activities, mince pies. Lights switched on at 4.30pm by Harriet Thorpe, pantomime dame Tim McArthur and the Mayor of Islington

The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Rakhia Ismail said: “With the nights drawing in and the weather getting colder, Islington’s Christmas lights are always a welcome, festive treat that the whole community can appreciate. I encourage residents, visitors and their friends and family to come down to these events to enjoy the festive community atmosphere while supporting their local businesses and the volunteers that make these events happen.”

More information on the events can be found here.