Magic lights in Poplar have turned Chrisp Street Market into a children’s Christmas winter wonderland.
Poplar’s MP Jim Fitzpatrick threw the big switch to light up this year’s Christmas tree and market square illuminations.
It sparked the start to this year’s festive season when the big tree lit up as children cheered and sang carols in the square.
The famous Lansbury clocktower built for the 1951 Festival of Britain, now with its ‘listed’ status, was also lit up for Yuletide.
Shoppers got into the spirit at a craft market picking up handmade presents such as cards, cushions and textiles.
Christmas carols by schoolchildren from five Poplar primary schools kicked off the entertainment.
Proud mums and dads watched as the school choirs from Manorfield, Bygrove, Lansbury Lawrence and Mayflower rang out festive tunes.
They were followed by Poplar Singers community choir with Christmas classics including Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and of course Jingle Bells, then teenagers from the Spotlight centre with their own original songs and raps.
There was dancing in the market square to music from Palace Avenue Swing band with up-beat Swing numbers.
Families also took magical memories home with them with photos taken in a giant snow globe.
A winter wonderland ice rink was handy for Santa’s sleigh when it drew up for this year’s ‘Chrisp-mas’ at Chrisp Street, organised by Poplar Harca housing organisation.
Santa always sets up his grotto in their offices in East India Dock Road to make children’s Christmas wish list come true.
He was busy this year with a queued of 500 children eager to pick up early presents.
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