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Residents in north Islington were told to forget the “cares and worries” of austerity and enjoy the start of the festive period at the Nag’s Head Christmas Extravaganza on Sunday.
Reindeer, fairground rides, market stalls and live entertainment gave residents of Finsbury Park and Holloway the perfect excuse to forget the cold and look forward to the holiday season.
The event culminated in Mayor Jilani Chowdhury and local young athlete Desiree Henry switching on the Holloway Road Christmas lights.
Ms Henry, who was selected by Daley Thompson to light the cauldron in the Olympic opening ceremony, said: “I was at City and Islington College, and I wanted to come down to give back to the community that has supported me so much.”
The Extravaganza was organised by the Nag’s Head Town Centre team. Manager Joyce Pollaya said: “We’re just so happy to have so many young people from Islington performing on our stage.
“We have 6 hours of live entertainment and we’ve got over 600 people performing on stage today, the majority of whom have come from council initiatives, which we’re really thrilled about.“
As the reindeer were led into their pen, Council leader Catherine West addressed the crowd from the stage, saying: “We know it’s a very tough time for everyone locally with all the various changes that are going on.
“But Christmas is Christmas, and this is a time just to put aside all the cares and worries and enjoy this time of celebration.
The Nag’s Head Christmas Extravaganza from Adam Withnall on Vimeo.
