Crowds of residents turned out to watch Madness singer Suggs switch on the festive lights at Highbury Barn on Saturday.

The event was sponsored by businesses and Highbury East councillors Julie Horten, John Gilbert and Terry Stacy through their local ward budget.

Suggs lives in Tufnell Park but his daughter worked in a Highbury pub until recently and it was there that Cllr Stacy, Lib Dem leader on the council, met the singer and persuaded him to light up the area for Christmas.

Chris Tyerman, manager of the Highbury Barn pub, which helped pay for the event, said: “Businesses on the Barn were glad to do their bit to celebrate Christmas.

“This is a great community event and long may it continue.”