 Christmas lights events
Christmas is, dare we say it, just around the corner – and so’s the return of Islington’s Christmas lights events. The first, Glow in the Angel, is on Tuesday 17 November, 4–7pm: expect elves and angels (naturally), giving out gifts; live music; puppetry from Little Angel Theatre; and a magician, with the lights being switched on at 4.30pm in Camden Passage. Then, on Saturday 19 November, it’s Nag’s Head’s turn to shine, with a DJ, drummers, choirs, face painting and free mince pies. Lights will be switched on by the Mayor of Islington at 4.30pm.
Reflections: Let’s Talk Islington exhibition
Last year, the council set up Let’s Talk Islington, their biggest-ever engagement with residents, to find out more about the challenges faced by people in Islington. Come along to a free exhibition to hear from the local people who took part and see their stories brought to life through a collection of images, words, film, and artwork. The exhibition runs 8–11 November. Book now to secure your place.
Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM)
This November, the council is celebrating the unique contributions of our Muslim community with a series of free events, including a chance to hear about people’s lived experiences of Islamophobia in two ‘In conversation’ events; an Islam and nature walk around Gillespie Park, led by tour guide AbdulMaalik Tailor; and a ‘no boys, no booze, no babies’ club night for Muslim women.
 Free health and history walk
Join Islington Guide Oonagh for a stroll around Wray Crescent Park on Sunday 20 November, 1pm. Visit the only public cricket ground in Islington, a lovely vegetable garden – named after the first female Black headteacher in the UK, Yvonne Connolly – and a bee-friendly area, while learning more about the musical history of the surrounding Victorian streets: from Soul2Soul, to piano factories.
 Climate justice: the great multiplier
This programme of free events at Union Chapel explores the impact of the climate emergency on justice issues such as gender inequality, power abuse and the ongoing impact of colonialism. Featuring input from special guests such as Nnimmo Bassey, co-founder of Environmental Rights Action, and climate migration researchers Dr Jin-Ho Chung and Dr Bernardo Bolaños Guerra, the sessions are sure to be as informative as they are thought-provoking.
 Community spirit
The centre of the local Muslim community, Finsbury Park Mosque is not only a primary place of worship and religious services, but a place that promotes understanding, dialogue and a sense of community. Part of their work involves welcoming refugees and helping them feel at home here in Islington. To mark Islamophobia Awareness Month, we caught up with chair Mohammed Kozbar to find out more.
 A cup of kindness
IslingtonLife heads to Clerkenwell to speak with Christian, the owner of family-run Mr Beanstalk Coffee Co, about how he’s using his coffee shop-come-pop-up space to support other Black-owned and local businesses, and to build a community.
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