Thousands of people from EC1 and across London enjoyed the visual and aromatic delights provided by 50 of England's finest food producers who joined existing local traders for the three-day event from 7 to 9 December.

Funded by EC1 New Deal for Communities and managed in partnership with Islington Council, the event was officially opened by Radio 4 Food Programme presenter Sheila Dillon.
The Christmas market followed the success of the inaugural Whitecross Street Market Food Festival in October and plans are in place to hold another food festival in the spring.

Local resident and EC1 New Deal board representative, Troy Gallagher said: "It was great to see Whitecross Street come to life once again. Both food festivals held last year were enormously successful. We now need to take stock and look strategically at the future of the market. By working closely with Islington Council and identifying more local people who want to set up stalls, we hope to lay some firm foundations for a successful and sustainable market on Whitecross Street.
See page 7 for further images from the Whitecross Street Market Christmas Food Festival.

Please note that initial plans to hold a food festival in February have been put on hold until spring, when road works on Whitecross Street are complete. For further information, call Hazel Durbridge on 020 7608 3412.