Residents were left in the dark last week after the borough’s Christmas lights switch on ceremony was blighted with an electrical fault.

Crowds gathered in Windrush Square in Brixton on Friday (December 2) for the annual ritual but were denied the usual climax when Lambeth’s technicians failed to turn the lights on.

Contractors continued to battle with the lighting equipment long after the crowds had dispersed and gone home.

But a council spokesman said: “Lots of people had a good time and although there was a last minute problem with the lights to the Christmas tree this was soon fixed and it didn’t dampen people’s spirits.”

The event marred an otherwise jam-packed line-up of Christmas events planned across the borough.

On Saturday (December 10), a parade will hit the streets of Streatham led by performance group Mandinga Arts. Meanwhile from 10am, two teams will make a dash around the High Road looking for eight presents for a well-known celebrity in Streatham’s version of The Apprentice.

Shoppers looking for last-minute gift ideas can look forward to the annual Christmas-themed Farmer’s market on December 23 in Brixton, and the Brixton maker’s market on December 24.

Councillor Jackie Meldrum, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for enterprise, said: "We have some fantastic shops and markets in our town centres, so I'd really recommend people shop locally for their Christmas presents this year.

“I'm pleased that despite the tough financial challenges we are facing that we've been able to support and facilitate a range of events that will help get people in the Christmas spirit.” 

Top local Christmas events

December 10- Mandinga Arts will be leading a ‘Fire and Ice’ themed Christmas parade through the streets of Streatham, preceded by a Christmas lantern workshop at Streatham Library from 3pm. Young people aged 12 and up are invited to take part. To register your interest email events@lambeth.gov.uk

December 13- Volunteers are invited to take part in a Guerrilla lighting project to protest against wasteful use of light from 7pm at the Manor Arms, 13 Mitcham Lane, Streatham SW16 6LQ. More than 30 volunteers are needed to work with the guerrillas’ at lighting up a number of key locations in Streatham.

December 16- An interactive Christmas workshop for children aged six months to two years old will be held at Streatham Library from 10.30am.

December 17- Mayor of Lambeth Councillor Christiana Valcarcel will read stories to children at Streatham Library from 10.30am.

December 23- Join local traders for the annual Christmas Farmers’ Market from 9am to 12pm in Windrush Square in Brixton.

December 24- Get your last minute yuletide gifts from Brixton maker’s Christmas market from 10am to 4pm in Brixton Station Road.