Hackney’s Christmas lights were officially switched on outside the Town Hall on Sunday 1 December.
Residents turned out in force to see the Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Michael Desmond, open the ceremony by telling Christmas cracker jokes, accompanied by Dick Whittington’s cat.
Comedian Kat B, currently starring in the festive pantomime at the Hackney Empire, then flicked the switch dressed in full feline garb.
The Hackney Empire Community Choir then sang a mix of classic and modern songs to entertain the public.
The bespoke Christmas tree is one of five situated around the borough as part of the ‘Make Hackney Sparkle’ programme of events – and is designed by luxury designers House of Hackney.
The other trees, all created by local fashion designers, were unveiled on the day in Stoke Newington, Hackney Wick, Dalston and Shoreditch.
The Council has raised more than £120,000 in private sponsorship to bring the lights and trees to Hackney.
Watch the video of the lights being switched on here.
