Christmas in Hackney

Hackney Christmas Lights Switch On

Hackney Town Hall Square, Mare Street, E8 1EA

Sunday 3 December 2023, 4pm-6pm

Residents are invited to gather at Town Hall Square to see stars from Hackney Empire’s Aladdin and Hoxton Hall's Little Mermaid pantomimes light up Mare Street and launch the festive celebrations.

The free, family-friendly event, compared by esteemed drag artist Topsie Redfern, features Christmas carols, seasonal favourites and other live music from Hackney Empire Community Choir, Hackney Senior Vocal Ensemble, Pantonic Steel Pan Orchestra and Coro de Clave Afro-Cuban choir.

Illuminated costumes from Tropical Isles carnival group and a parade of handmade lanterns by pupils from Mandeville Primary School will also be on display to get Hackney into the Christmas spirit. 

Free and suitable for all ages.

Programme

4pm:

• Opening performance - Pantonic Steel Orchestra and Tropical Isles

  carnival.

• MC Topsie Redfern

• Speech by Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Sizer

4.10pm: Coro de Clave community choir

4.25pm: Lantern procession - Mandeville Primary School

4.35pm: Choir - Hackney Senior Vocal Ensemble

4.45pm: Countdown for the Christmas light switch on - Panto characters from Hackney Empire and Hoxton Hall

5pm: Hackney Empire Community Choir and Hackney Senior Vocal Ensemble

5.25pm: Closing performance - Pantonic Steel Orchestra

6pm: Close