Ward councillor Stephen Stark with staff from Knight Frank

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REPORTS of Christmas’s demise in Hampstead High Street proved to be exaggerated as the lights were switched on and and a tree illuminated on Tuesday evening.

Organised by the NW3 Business Association and Conservative ward councillor Stephen Stark, there was a performance from the New End Primary School choir with free hot chocolate and mulled wine provided by Knight Frank estate agents.

Hampstead High Street

Cllr Stark said: “It’s been really difficult finding funding this year as some businesses don’t engage or contribute.

“But Knight and Frank the estate agent have been a great supporter. I think we need to find a new way of having the lights, because they are so important to the community, as it gets darker earlier it’s important to have some festivities and it encourages more shoppers to Hampstead.”