Islington is throwing open the doors of the Assembly Hall on Upper Street to welcome 100 residents over 70 for a free festive hot meal, music and dancing.
By Julia Gregory, Local Democracy reporter
After the pandemic put paid to parties and forced families to spend Christmas apart this year residents are invited to festive fun.
Islington is throwing open the doors of the Assembly Hall on Upper Street to welcome 100 residents over 70 for a free festive hot meal, music and dancing.
Council leader Kaya Comer-Schwartz said she can’t wait to welcome the guests after the annual event had to be put on hold for two years.
She said: “We know that some of our older residents are struggling with the rising costs of food and energy over the holiday season, so I am especially pleased that we can provide a hot Christmas lunch for them this year.”
“After two long years of being unable to come together and celebrate, I am delighted that we are hosting this lunch once again, which really has become a highlight in our festive calendar. Our older residents are such a treasured part of our community, and we want to celebrate them whenever we can, so this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything they do. ”
The Mayor Marian Spall and council leader will welcome residents and help them celebrate the festive season.
The event was launched in 2010 when the council decided to entertain residents at a party rather than holding an internal event.
There are 100 places for this year’s festivities and people are urged to get their skates on to apply for places by calling 0207 527 2525 during office hours by December 14.
Councillors said the event has never been more important thaan this year when the pandemic forced people to isolate and the current worries over the cost of living have put a pall over the festive season.
The council has set up warm community spaces, including libraries, churches and community centres where residents can go to avoid the worry of heating bills at home. The London Irish Centre on Camden Square, Museum of the Order of St John in St John’s Lane Clerkenwell and the Chabad Islington Jewish Community Centre and Gallery in Elliott’s Place, St Peter’s, are just three of the places signed up to offer residents a warm welcome.
