Father Christmas was the surprise guest at Archway’s Navigator Square on Sunday 2nd December, for an afternoon of Christmas entertainment to celebrate the switching on of the Archway lights.
It might have been cold and windy but carols and Christmas songs from the Kogan Academy choir and Whittington Steel Band, and hula hoop dancing from CaHula, made everyone feel warm.
As well as the live entertainment and Santa’s Grotto with free gifts, there was free face painting and Christmas art crafts for children, a fairground ride, and free refreshments including mulled wine, mince pies, coffee and gingerbread from local businesses.
Exhibitors at the event included Lady V Designs, The Toy Project, Tre Donne, Morning Rain Jewellery, Junction Pets, Jan Tucker Jewellery, Joginders Supper Club, Whittington Health Charity, We Act Company, Jane African Designs, Elthorne Pride, Shanti Authentic Paella, Spyros Greek Gyros, The German Bakery, Jane London, Jacques Lilie and Ceramic Circle.
As darkness fell, the winner of the best Archway Christmas window display was announced – congrats to The Toy Project.
Then came the main event; the Mayor of Islington Cllr Dave Poyser switched on Archway’s Christmas lights, helped by the winner of this year’s Christmas poster design competition, Vasilia Georgiou, 8, of St John’s Upper Holloway C.E Primary School.
Greek Cypriot Vasilia was also presented with a prize by the Mayor for her winning drawing which formed the poster for the Christmas Spectacular and was displayed all around Archway advertising the event.
And there was more….Former Eastenders actor and Celebrity MasterChef winner John Partridge helped judge the Archway Bake-Off competition, sponsored by Wenzels the Bakers. Prizes and medals were given to the best Christmas themed cakes and were judged on flavour, consistency, presentation and most creative.
Present at the event were local councillors Janet Burgess, Sheila Chapman and Kaya Comer-Schwartz.
A huge well done to the organisers Vincenza Dato of Map Giftshop, Barry Causton of Islington Council and Jan Tucker, Chair of the Archway Town Centre Business Group.
It was a festive-filled day and a great start to Christmas!
