Islington leader ‘delighted’ as council invites over-70s for festive meal and music at Assembly Hall
Islington Council leader Cllr Kaya Komer-Schwartz will welcome residents at Assembly Hall. Photograph: Islington Council
After the pandemic put paid to parties and forced families to spend Christmas apart, this year residents are invited to enjoy some festive fun.
Islington is throwing open the doors of the Assembly Hall on Upper Street to welcome 100 residents over the age of 70 for a free 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.”
Mayor Marian Spall and Comer-Schwartz will welcome the residents and celebrate the festive season with them.
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 up for grabs and people are urged to get their skates on in applying.
To do so, call 0207 527 2525 during office hours by 14 December.
Councillors said the event has never been more important than this year.
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 in Camden Square, Museum of the Order of St John in St John’s Lane Clerkenwell, and the Chabad Islington Jewish Community Centre on Elliott’s Place are just three of the places signed up to offer residents a warm welcome.