Merry Kissmas! Giant mistletoe chandelier unveiled at Islington Square
Upper Street was transformed into a romantic wonderland on Wednesday night as couples flocked to embrace under a giant mistletoe chandelier at the Old Post Office.
Rev Simon Harvey of St Mary’s Church got things going at 8pm with a festive speech, before switching on lights and snowflake cannons to adorn the scene.
The first couple to kiss were Dorothy and Eric Riley, who have been married for 70 years.
“We’ve done very well and I couldn’t live without her,” Eric said. “We sometimes fall out, but we don’t sulk or let the sun go down on an argument.”
As more people took to the mistletoe, locals on their way home from work joined in with carol singers for a carefree sing-along.
“Islington’s such an exciting place to be and it’s still a village at heart. Everyone’s getting in the Christmas mood,” Rev Simon Harvey said.
“To see people who have been married for 70 years is fantastic. When I do weddings, I look into the eyes of the couple getting married and am really aware that it’s not just that day, but the beginning of something long.”
The event was designed to introduce Islington Square, which has replaced the Old Post Office as a shopping and residential district.
A model of the development was available to view inside, along with a wine and refreshments buffet.
Members of the public will be able to kiss under the chandelier throughout the festive period, and can share their love stories on Twitter using the hashtag #LoveIslington.
Tweets will then be entered into a draw to win pairs of tickets for performances at a number of local theatres, including Sadler’s Wells.
Mister C and I met in Angel 3 years ago, he's since proposed & now we're kissing under the mistletoe #LoveIslington pic.twitter.com/MMsBjiWeBu
— Christiana (@chris_tea_ahnah) December 11, 2014
