Hundreds of revellers watched Santa switch on this year’s Christmas lights in east London packed into Poplar’s Chrisp Street Market.

East London Advertiser: MP Jim Fitzpatrick helps Santa switch on the Chrisp Street Market Christmas lights. Picture: Rehan JamilMP Jim Fitzpatrick helps Santa switch on the Chrisp Street Market Christmas lights. Picture: Rehan Jamil (Image: � Rehan Jamil)

It sparked the start to this year’s festive season when the Christmas tree lit up as children cheered on.

Youngsters paraded around the market with their home-made lanterns before Poplar’s MP Jim Fitzpatrick threw the switch to turn on the festive lights.

The famous Chrisp Street clocktower built for the 1951 Festival of Britain which has now got ‘listed’ status was also lit up for Yuletide.

Christmas carols and festive tunes were performed by five primary school choirs, the Poplar Singers community choir and a festive brass band.

East London Advertiser: Hoime-made lanterns light the way for the children's parade through the market. Picture: Rehan JamilHoime-made lanterns light the way for the children's parade through the market. Picture: Rehan Jamil (Image: � Rehan Jamil)

Schools taking part were Bygrove, Lansbury Lawrence, St Saviour’s, Mayflower and Manorfield.

Characters from the Frozen movie were a big hit around the market for children, while families also took magical memories home with them with photos taken in a giant snow globe.

Sister Christine Frost and her Neighbours In Poplar volunteers turned up selling mince pies donated by Gregg’s to raise cash for her charity.

Santa returns to Chrisp Street on Saturday with his reindeer, like he did last year, to open his grotto in the Poplar Harca housing and regeneration organisation’s offices in East India Dock Road between 11am and 4pm, when he and his elves hand out presents—he’s even bringing his reindeers!

East London Advertiser: Crowds join Santa for the Christmas lights at Chrisp Street. Picture: Rehan JamilCrowds join Santa for the Christmas lights at Chrisp Street. Picture: Rehan Jamil (Image: � Rehan Jamil)

Kids can post their letters to Santa with their Christmas wish list.

The Saturday festivities include face-painting, games, and more live music.

Chrispmas at Chrisp Street is organised by Poplar HARCA, in partnership with Telford Homes.

The traditional Chrisp Street Market is undergoing a New Year spruce-up as part of a £2.5 billion regeneration programme for Poplar.