Not even gale-force winds could stop Archway from celebrating with its Festive Fair on Friday 27 November.  When the town centre team arrived on Friday morning to start putting up the stalls, and most important of all, Santa's Grotto, the wind picked up the booths and threatened to blow them away.  Realising that it was becoming unsafe, the team quickly improvised, asking businesses in Archway Mall to help.  Forks and Corks helped to set up a grotto for Father Christmas in a nearby doorway, Kay Jay Hair and Beauty became the face-painting salon and the craft workshop moved to the shelter of Archway Library.

 

Nothing else could stop the fun!  The crowd was entertained by local musicians Nick Hershma, Joncan and band Gypsy Style.  There was hula hoop magic from Nula Hula, and Salsa group Sabroso had the crowd up and dancing, led by DJ Fonti.  St. John's Primary School choir opened the event, and the evening ended with traditional carols from the Kogan Academy.

 

The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Richard Greening, turned on the festive lights, and announced the winner of the Best Christmas Window competition.  This year, for the second year running, it was Fresh Flower Scent who took top prize, for their imaginative take on the Snow Queen.

 

Father Christmas gave out dozens of presents to children (only the ones who had been good of course) and was seen joining in the salsa.  Even our local MP, Jeremy Corbyn, found time to come to join the fun.

 

It takes more than a high wind to keep Archway from enjoying itself!