Winter Lights Christmas Festival

St John-at-Hackney Churchyard, Narrow Way (Mare Street), central Hackney

Thursday 4 Dec, 12-2pm

Thursday 11 Dec, 4-7pm

Thursday 18 Dec, 4-7pm





Residents are invited to enjoy a series of festive concerts in the Narrow Way in central Hackney this December.



Music and carols will be from a variety of groups including a steel pan band, drummers, local choir the Hackney Singers, and local classical band the Mediaeval Baebes.



Residents and children will also have the chance to make lanterns during workshops on 11 and 18 December with local artist Emily Tracy, and to take part in a parade around St John-at-Hackney Churchyard.



Emily said: “All the lanterns will be lit with bulbs and batteries to create a mysterious and magical glowing procession through the darkness, and can then be taken home to light up your home.”



Hula hoop performers Hoop La La - Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists, who train at Circus Space in Hoxton - will get into the festive spirit with performances using fluorescent hoops.



And there will be plenty more fun including jugglers and roasted chestnut stalls.



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



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


The Rev’d Rob Wickham, Rector of Hackney, said “We are thrilled to be hosting such an important initiative. The Churchyard is one of the hidden gems of Hackney, and we long to hear the sound of fun and laughter echoing through its hallowed paths.”