Christmas lights are sparkling in Harlesden and Cricklewood after neighbours came together to brighten up their communities.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Members of the Harlesden Festive Lights Cooperative at their first Harlesden lights switch onMembers of the Harlesden Festive Lights Cooperative at their first Harlesden lights switch on (Image: Archant)

Crowds came out for what promises to be the first Harlesden Festive Lights Switch On following a successful fundraising campaign.

The Harlesden Festive Lights Cooperative (HFLC) raised £10,000 to bring festive colour to the whole town as part of a three-year project.

The party on December 2, attended by Dawn Butler MP and council leader Muhammed Butt, was hosted by Harlesden Methodist Church and the Shawl Pub in the High Street.

The community celebrated the first phase of the project which saw 11 lamp posts between the Jubilee Clock and the library and a Christmas tree lit up.

The project was launched a year ago by co-chairmen Leroy Simpson Harlesden community liaison officer and David Camm of the charity Business in the Community who brought different resident groups together.

Mr Simpson said: “The successful return of the festive lights after HFLC’s project is an example of what can be achieved when the community works together.

“We couldn’t have done it without the help of your generous donations and the hard work of the HFLC team who have got phase one off the ground, and allowing us to build towards annual festival celebrations that bring together our diverse and vibrant community.”

Cricklewood Town Team (CTT) ushered in its festive season on December 8 with its fifth annual community celebration.

The evening in Cricklewood Lane included a bubble fire show as the Cricklewood Community Choir sang carols and the Friends of Gladstone Park offered “Made in Cricklewood” candles.

The Christmas tree was once again donated by the Wright Family Fruit & Veg Stall, in Oaklands Road.

Cricklewood Christmas lights were funded by the OLF project, bid for the by the CTT in 2012, and officially launched in 2013 as part of a seven-year project.

Volunteers from CTT organise the event each year with no council funding.

Marie Hancock, of CTT, said: “We have such amazing volunteers in Cricklewood.

“Thank you to the CTT and all the volunteers who make this happen! Happy Cricklemas!”