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Mulled wine, mince pies and Minions - it must be Christmas!

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Post Date: 03 Dec 2019

The Junction launched into the Christmas spirit with great gusto at the weekend, with a series of seasonal celebrations bringing festive fun and fayre to the area.

The countdown to Christmas kicked off last Thursday when, for the first time in recent history, a 25ft Christmas tree was installed in Clapham Junction, marking the focal point for this year's Christmas lights switch-on. Stunning bespoke lights, which have been designed and beautifully crafted specifically for the occasion, illuminated the main strip from Battersea Arts Centre on Lavender Hill, through Clapham Junction and up to Battersea Rise. The big switch-on took place at 5pm, and the event was the first of two Christmas lights celebrations in Clapham Junction. The second event – a surprise visual treat for residents and businesses – will be announced this week!

On Friday evening it was the turn of Northcote Road to enjoy festive cheer with carol singing, mulled wine, mince pies, Santa's grotto, a couple of famous reindeer and some panto pals, all at the annual Christmas lights switch on.

Children from Belleville School, Honeywell School and Bolingbroke Academy treated us to some delightful carol singing as the procession made its way down Northcote Road to the corner of Bennerley Road. Here, they were joined by the cast from Battersea Arts Centre’s Christmas Panto ‘Goldilocks and the Three Musketeers’ and, together, the lights were switched on to shine in all their glory – “oh yes they did!”

Father Christmas never misses the event (well, if it’s good enough for him…!) and, along with a sack full of gifts, our favourite white bearded friend welcomed youngsters at Hamptons Christmas Santa’s grotto. His beloved reindeer – Rudolph and Dancer – were also nearby waiting for a carrot or two and, along with late night opening and retailer treats for the public, it was the perfect start to Christmas.

And finally, on Sunday, it was back to Northcote Road for the annual Christmas Market, now in its seventh year and a major attraction for both locals and visitors alike.

Battersea's famous shopping street, already known as a haven of diversity with specialist shops, boutiques and restaurants, hosted 70 additional market stalls offering a dizzy array of gift ideas, festive goodies and tasty treats.

Wandsworth’s finest radio station - Riverside Radio – was on hand to provide live music and entertainment on the main stage throughout the day, while little ones had plenty to occupy them in the kid’s zone. And then, for fans (big or small) of Despicable Me, there was Minion mania when some of our favourite yellow characters went on walkabout, meeting and greeting their frenzied fans!

All-in-all, it’s been a fabulous festive few days here at The Junction and the season has only just begun. To keep up the Christmas cheer, be sure to checkout our what's on this December…

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