200 people have sleep-in in Old Spitalfields Market

With its lively stalls, Old Spitalfields Market is not an obvious spot for a good sleep but more than 200 people spent the night there to raise cash for the Big Issue.

As volunteers snuggled up in their sleeping bags, entertainers and speakers provided food for thought on homelessness and its causes.

The event, on Friday, was in celebration of the Big Issue’s 20th anniversary.

Jay Hunt, who works for the organisation, said: “The idea was to have a fun night celebrating the achievements of the Big Issue vendors.”

Vendors spoke about their experiences on the streets and how they were making steps in their lives.

Short films and stand-up comedy were also on the bill.