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This festive advertisement announcing the Grand Christmas Fete at Islington's Royal Agricultural Hall is one in a collection of colourful posters held at Islington Local History Centre.

The hall was built in 1861-62 to host annual agricultural and livestock exhibitions but also hosted other events including sports, industrial exhibitions, Cruft's Dog Show and, of course, Christmas fairs.

A contemporary edition of the Islington Gazette assured patrons that the event could be "enjoyed without the vulgarity which attends an out-door gathering." The admission charge was 6d (2.5p) worth today about £1.20. Visitors could see wild beasts, performing elephants, talking fish, living curiosities and brass bands, as well as a 'gigantic' Christmas tree, as illustrated.