The Mall in Walthamstow celebrated its 30th birthday in style, with a huge cake decorated with pictures of retailers to feed 450 hungry shoppers.

On Saturday, October 13, the site in Selborne Road was decked out for a full day of festivities which included performances by Waltham Forest Community Choir, the acoustic duo Mac and Nat, and Walthamstow School for Girls, who performed a variety of songs on steel drums.

Entertainers, magicians, balloon modellers and stilt walkers roamed the length of The Mall keeping the crowds of well-wishers amused.

Originally opened in 1988 as Selborne Walk Shopping Centre, The Mall has grown and developed and now boasts more than 60 shops and several eateries and is an integral part of the community.

Looking back on the day, The Mall’s marketing manager Richard Jones said: “It’s been a truly memorable and rewarding day for both staff and visitors and a real celebration of what has been achieved across three decades.

“It was wonderful to chat to so many older guests that remember the centre opening in 1988 and have witnessed its various transitions over the years.

“We’ve had dozens of birthday cards and messages that have been a real joy to read.”