The lead singer of popular band Madness thrilled crowds as the surprise special guest at the Christmas lights switch-on in St George’s ward.
Hundreds of residents gathered to see Suggs turn the Christmas lights on outside Tufnell Park Tavern.
He was joined by the ukulele group and choir from Hilldrop Community Centre, who sang a range of carols, before Suggs made the surprise appearance to turn the lights on.
The 53-year-old singer, who lives nearby, said his decision to take-part was based on the friendliness of the community.
“It is the sort of community where people can knock on each other’s doors, and unfortunately that’s becoming rarer and rare in London, as money sweeps anything local away,” he said.
“I’m very happy that there is some community here.”
The event included free mulled wine, mince pies and cakes all donated by nearby shops and businesses.
Kat Fletcher, one of the Labour councillors of St George’s, organised the event and was thrilled by the number of residents who came and the offerings from local businesses.
“I’m really pleased with the turnout. There’s way more kids here than I was expecting,” she said.
“The local shops and businesses were all very supportive from the outset, and were very happy to donate.
Local resident Romilly Weeks, 41, brought her two children along to the evening, and praised the event for boosting Christmas spirit in the area.
“It’s been lovely, really fun and Christmassy, with very good singing from the ladies with their ukuleles,” she said.
General manager of Tufnell Park Tavern, Piers Tomin, praised the event for bringing locals together.
“Little events like this make a big difference to the community, and it’s just another example of why Tufnell Park is such a lovely place to live.”
