On a day when North London saw the first winter snowflakes, crowds gathered in Pond Square to enjoy warm drinks and brass band music.
Santa and his Elves did a meet and greet in thier grotto – and later handed out chocolate to the crowd – as the Highgate School Brass Ensemble played festive tunes.
It’s the second time the actor, who played Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter film franchise has helped kick off the Christmas festivities in the village.
Wands were handed out for the crowds to cast their spell ‘Highgatus Illuminatus’ as the lights went on.
Speaking outside The Highgate Society headquarters in South Grove he said: “What an amazing Highgate crowd. I’m so happy we turned the lights on together!”
Madeleine Cosgrave a member of the Highgate Festive Lights Committee who organised the event said: “It was amazing!”
“Rupert was so generous with his time and spent over an hour afterwards with people who queued for selfies and autographs. They were thrilled.
“The crowd loved listening to live Christmas brass band tunes, Santa and His Elves flew in to say hi to the children, and we were also lucky to be joined by The Mayor of Camden Eddie Hanson – he said it was the first festive event he has been to so far this year.”
She added: “The switch on is a great tradition and an opportunity for the community to come together at a free, fun event. The lights in Pond Square and the High Street are also important for retailers, restaurants and cafes who value the support and footfall that they bring.”
Both Haringey and Camden Councils had cut funding for the lights this year so the committee had to launch a fundraiser.
Sponsors including Highgate & Channing Schools, Urban Baristas, Streathers Solicitors, Riverstone and Bishops Avenue Gardens stepped forward.
Madeleine added: “With the contribution of our Sponsors and over £5,000 raised via our Just Giving site we are delighted we are able to provide the much loved lights in full.”
