MEMBERS of an orchestra created a festive atmosphere for visitors to a shopping centre.

Violinists from Forest Philharmonic orchestra played a range of folk ballads and Christmas classics at the Mall in Selborne Walk, Walthamstow, on Saturday.

David Hoskins, Matt Kelly, Abigail Oldham and Chris and Betul Cuninghame performed at the entrance to Waterstones between 1pm and 2.30pm.

Mr Hoskins said: "It was very nice, a lot of fun. We got the impression people were really surprised to hear live music, it had a very good response."

The full orchestra will perform pieces by Strauss and Tchaikovsky at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in Forest Road on December 9.

The concert starts at 6.30pm and there is a free pre-show talk by conductor Mark Shanahan at 5.30pm.

Tickets are available from http://www.wegottickets.com/event/176465 They cost £10, or £15 for balcony seats. Concessions are available.