WITH PHOTOS

Lanterns lit up the Narrow Way, steel pans and choirs filled the air with Christmas carols and magicians entertained delighted children.

The Christmas Lights Winter Festival returned to St John at Hackney’s Churchyard for a second year and brought festive fun to the bustling town centre.

As shoppers dashed around looking for Christmas gifts, the concert provided a much needed excuse to stop and relax on 10 December.

Young visitors got the chance to take part in a lantern making workshop with local artist Emily Tracy, followed by a parade where they showed off their creations.

Nostalgia steel pans and the Learning Trust choir provided the soundtrack to the afternoon, while Gus’s hot chestnuts went down a treat with the crowd.

Cllr Guy Nicholson, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, said: “This is a great way for us all to come together and enjoy some festive cheer. Merry Christmas!”

The Hackney Winter Lights Christmas Festival is organised by Hackney Council, St John-at-Hackney Church, and shops and businesses in the Narrow Way.

MORE INFO

Don’t worry if you missed out - the Winter Lights Christmas Festival returns to the Narrow Way on Thursday 17 December, from 3 to 6pm.

ENDS