Angel was lit up for Christmas on Thursday evening (November 17) as the first of the borough’s festive lights displays was turned on.
It was the first in a series of free switch-ons which will feature complimentary refreshments and cost-of living-advice, as well as Santa’s grottos and live music.
The schedule for the remaining events is as follows:
Saturday, November 19 (1pm – 5pm) – Nag’s Head Shopping Centre
Thursday, November 24 (4.30pm – 7pm) – Angel Central Shopping Centre
Saturday, November 26 (1pm – 6pm) – Freeling Street, The Cally
Sunday, November 27 (5.30pm) – Highbury Barn
Wednesday, November 30 (12pm – 7.30pm) – Navigator Square, Archway
Friday, December 2 (4pm – 7pm) – Whitecross Street
Saturday, December 3 (12pm – 5.30pm) – Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park
Cllr Santiago Bell-Bradford, executive member for inclusive economy and jobs, said: “The festive period is the perfect time to take advantage of Islington’s wonderful high streets and town centres.
“Shopping locally is so important for our economy - every pound spent at a small business is worth three times more to the local economy than spending money at a chain, helping us to make Islington a more equal place.”
She added: “We know that this winter will be a difficult time for many people, but these events can be enjoyed for free by all. We hope that everyone can join us and get into the festive spirit.”
Singer and fashion designer Corinne Drewery, best known for being the lead vocalist of Swing Out Sister, will switch on the Highbury Barn Christmas Lights on November 27.
Organiser and former Highbury councillor Terry Stacy said: “As you know, Highbury Barn is a vibrant enclave of independent traders which is a wonderful showcase for our community and is one of the things that makes Islington so special, this will be the 14th year I have helped arrange this event. We have always been so lucky to have such great support from the Highbury community.”
Local trader Chris Godfrey, whose family has had a butcher's shop in Highbury Barn for over a century, said: “Highbury Barn is unique in every way. Our Christmas event centres around promoting independent traders and our community at the same time as celebrating everything that is special about Christmas, and reminds people the importance of 'shopping local' all year round."
Adam Cummins, centre manager, Angel Central said: “We’re really looking forward to celebrating the start of Christmas with our family focused switch on. It’s the biggest switch on in the area and the event is completely free. Throughout the evening there will be lots of opportunities to take pictures with our guests including The Snowman who is joining us from Sadlers Wells where he is taking a break from his exciting run which starts on Monday, December 19 and runs into the new year.
“It’s the Snowman’s 25th anniversary and it’s great to be working closely with Sadlers Wells to help them promote this family favourite which is dedicated to the creator Raymond Briggs CBE."
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