Live reindeer completed the picture-perfect Christmassy scene on Battersea’s Northcote Road as hordes of people gathered to mark the beginning of the festive season on Friday.
The lights had been switched on earlier in the evening by Snoopy himself, the lovable beagle from the film Snoopy and Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie.
There was no stopping the revellers after that as shops and businesses handed out mince pies and mulled wine, accompanied by carol singers.
SW Londoner spoke to Joel Baseley of estate agents Rampton Baseley, as he hosted both a candyfloss and popcorn machine, and to the delight of the crowds, two magnificently antlered reindeer.
Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward Battersea competed over the road with a popular photo booth, sales manager Tim Beattie said: “It’s lovely to see everyone in the local community out on the street.
“We’ve served mulled wine, prosecco, chocolates and stollen as well as having the photo booth. There’s been a huge increase in footfall this year.”
Jonathan Dyson, head of the Northcote Road Business Network and manager at Hamptons International, wondered at the burgeoning success of the event as he ushered children in to Santa’s grotto.
Wandsworth Police were also getting into the Christmas spirit as they looked on, and had had no trouble with security when we spoke to them.
Featured picture courtesy of Loren Javier, with thanks
