The returning Seven Kings Christmas lights will be switched on by Goodmayes’ Fauja Singh, the man believed to be the world’s oldest marathon runner, next weekend.
Fauja Singh, 102, is said to feel “very lucky” to be the man to illuminate Seven Kings once again, having fulfilled the role twice before.
Last year the Seven Kings Christmas tree was replaced by a “peace dove”.
Redbridge Council’s area committee five spent £11,500 on the illuminated dove on a 10ft pole, surrounded by light displays symbolising world religions.
Mr Singh’s son Sukhinger said: “Last night my father said to me he felt very lucky to be able to turn on the Seven Kings lights.
“He said he was very proud of all the communities coming together – he is really happy about it.”
On Saturday December 7, there will also be a Christmas market, open from 10am-4pm, and the lights will be switched on at 4pm.
Mr Singh, 54, said he was proud of his father for taking on the role.
He added: “He is still walking every day, he is very good healthwise.”
Mr Singh ran marathons in Toronto and London in 2011 and 2012
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