![Electric Avenue's new sign on top of Boots](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EA-sign_750_2016-10-17-19.27.40.jpg)
Eddy Grant paid tribute to Brixton and its people when he presided at the official opening of the newly refurbished Electric Avenue and its giant illuminated sign tonight.
![Eddy Grant](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EG-close-up_750_2016-10-17-19.11.54-2-150x150.jpg)
The singer, whose 1983 hit Electric Avenue boosted Brixton at a difficult time, joined London mayor Sadiq Khan and Lambeth council leader Lib Peck in counting down to the switch-on of the new sign.
Earlier, Brixton Market Traders Federation leader Stuart Horwood had introduced a man without whom the could never function and who, he said, works tirelessly to make sure it does.
Lib Peck presented Michaeal Johns, who runs the market traders’ toilets, with the ceremonial key to the market in recognition of his work.
Earlier, pupils from Archbishop Sumner school’s steel pans had entertained crowds which grew to fill Electric Avenue despite a cloudburst.
After the ceremony, Eddy Grant stayed behind for some time to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for selfies.
Then he was due to head for the Prince of Wales for more celebrations.
![London mayor Sadiq Khan marked Black History Month with a visit to the Black Cultural Archives on Windrush Square before the Electric Avenue event – seen here with BCA deputy director Doreen Foster, chair Dawn Hill, vice-chair Miranda Brawn and director Paul Reid](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/BCA_750_2016-10-17-18.22.43.jpg)
![Lib Peck and Sadiq Khan watch as Eddy Grant counts down to the switch-on](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/countdown_750_2016-10-17-19.14.19.jpg)
![Crowds filled Electric Avenue](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/crowd750_2016-10-17-19.14.50.jpg)
![Security was light and friendly](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/fab-security_750_2016-10-17-18.50.14.jpg)
![Lib Peck and Eddy Grant listen to the mayor](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Sadiq_750_2016-10-17-19.09.38.jpg)
![Fans were out in force](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/fans1_750_2016-10-17-18.54.36.jpg)
![A ceremonial key to Brixton market for Michaeal Johns](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Johns_750_2016-10-17-19.03.42.jpg)
![One lucky child gets to meet Eddy Grant](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EG-child_750_2016-10-17-19.22.56.jpg)
![Eddy Grant stayed behind for signings and selfies](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/EG-fans_750_2016-10-17-19.22.00.jpg)
![It was still Brixton Market – traders carried on trading with a brief pause to listen to Eddy Grant](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/traders_750_2016-10-17-19.20.28.jpg)
![Entertainment from Archbishop Sumner school steel pans](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/steel-pans_750_2016-10-17-17.13.07.jpg)
![Brasstermind braved the worst of torrential rain to entertain growing crowds](https://brixtonblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Brastermind_750_IMG_3367.jpg)
Pictures Alan Slingsby & David Wilcock
The Lucky child as stated above is my son, and he is Eddy Grants great nephew.
Hi Chenelle. Thank you for telling us. If you want to let us know his name, we’ll put it in the caption.
His name is Jax. Thank you