Starry night as Christmas lights go on

Published: 3 December, 2010
by TERRY MESSENGER

FESTIVE fun-seekers turned out in their thousands to see Christmas lights spark into life at ceremonies throughout Islington. EastEnders actor Larry Lamb switched on twinkly star bursts at Islington Green on Saturday.

The mystery celebrity promised to appear at the ceremony at the Nag’s Head, Holloway, on ­Sunday turned out to be... Father Christmas.

Revellers in Archway spurned celebrities altogether on Friday, choosing instead 10-year-old Abbie Arkley to do the honours – assisted by Mayor Mouna Hamitouche.

Labour councillor Martin Klute entertained the crowds at Islington Green with his jazz quartet at a party organised by the ­business umbrella group for the area, Angel AIM.

And a Christmas-themed ­window dressing competition was won by shoe shop Laura J in Camden Passage.

Abbie won a drawing competition organised by her school, Hargrave Park Primary in Bredgar Road in Archway to claim the honour of switching on the lights. She was guest of ­honour at the street party – along with Mayor Mouna, Father ­Christmas and Pearly Kings and Queens. Attractions at Nag’s Head also included Santa – and his reindeer – along with local Elvis impersonator David Elvis and a funfair.