St Aloysius RC College pupils Areeb Ahmed, Liam Hughes, Michael Mamattah, Daniel Jones, Hassan Ubaydullayev, Hussein Ubaydullayev, Ciaran Cronin, Jarrod McCann and their teacher Ms A Garrib volunteered at the event

CHRISTMAS got off to a cracking start on Wednesday with Archway’s Lights Festival.

Spread across Navigator Square, Archway Library and the Archway Tavern, there was live music, food and fresh wreath-making.

Pedro Semeou and Angelica Reni at their stall selling candles

Poet Paul Lyalls hosted performances by pupils from nearby Hargrave Park school.

Councillor Jenny Kay, Bake Off: The Professionals presenter Liam Charles and pantomime dame Tim Hudson handed out prizes for cake-making.

Mayor Marian Spall and consort, her daughter Helen

St Aloysius RC College pupils volunteered at the event, including helping to hand out surveys.

Standing on the mobile stage, Islington mayor Marian Spall said: “The community has pulled together with incredible effect.”

Cake judge and professional pantomime dame Tim Hudson

After the lights were switched on there was a hula-hoop display and residents carried on enjoying a hugely successful Christmas market, until the next one comes round tomorrow (Saturday), 12-5.30pm, Fontill Road, Finsbury Park.