Successful late-night Christmas market in Chatsworth Road could be catalyst for future events

Hundreds of people turned out for Chatsworth Road’s late-night Christmas market last week.

The Millfields School Jazz Band. Picture: Ian Rathbone - Credit: Archant

The event was put on by shopkeepers and the council’s markets team and was so successful it could be used as a pilot for future late-night events at markets across the borough.

More than 40 stalls were set up in the road, which was closed off. The Millfields School Jazz Band and a choir from Rushmore School played, while Hackney Singers sang carols and children got to meet Santa and his reindeer.

“We could not have done it without the support and help of the markets team who helped to fund some events and made sure the road was closed,” said Nicole Saba of the Chatsworth Road shopkeepers group.

Dan O’Sullivan, Hackney’s markets chief, added: “We had a good number of stalls for what is an unusual time during the week.

A reindeer meets a dog. Picture: Ian Rathbone - Credit: Archant

“We are looking at this as a pilot project for future late night shopping here and in other markets. It’s an opportunity to help boost our local economy and help sustain local independent businesses and traders.”