Actor Tom Conti to switch on Belsize Park’s first Christmas lights

Hampstead actor Tom Conti will wander down the hill to turn on Belsize Park’s first Christmas lights.

The 73-year-old will appear outside Budgens supermarket to light up Haverstock Hill at 5pm on Saturday, December 6.

Mr Conti said: “One is always happy to help any local event. It’s a cultural habit isn’t it? For believers and non-believers alike. It’s sort of jolly and children like it, so why not?”

Retired headteacher Linda Grove, of Belsize Lane, led a small group of community-spirited residents who raised cash from businesses and raffle ticket sales to pay for the decorations.

She said: “This is the first time Belsize has been lit up. We want it to be the first of all future Christmases, because it’s good for business and it’s good for the community.”

Presenter Jonathan Ross and actor Andy Serkis were among the famous faces at festive light switch-ons in Hampstead and Highgate this week. See pages 16-19.