All-night service to begin on London Overground from December 15

East London's night-time economy is set for a festive surge when London Overground launches a round-the-clock weekend service ahead of Christmas, it was revealed today.

Connecting passengers on both sides of the river between New Cross Gate and Dalston Junction, it is hoped the all-night service will boost businesses along the line by nearly £200m a year.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said he was “delighted” to announce the service, which will run on the seven mile stretch every Friday and Saturday night when it launches on December 15.

He said: “I’m delighted that we can bring night services to the east London line for the first time ever next month.

“The Night Tube has proven such a success with Londoners, I know the Night Overground will help thousands more who are working through the night or out enjoying our capital’s nightlife.”

The Night Tube first launched on the Central line last August after a string of rows over pay and safety between the four major rail unions and Transport for London.

Services now run on the Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines, directly and indirectly supporting around 2,000 jobs.

Businesses close to the ten Night Overground stops will be hoping to flourish after Night Tube services boosted London’s economy by more than £170million in its first year.

Jen Bartle, marketing boss at independent arts centre Rich Mix in Bethnal Green, said they had benefited “enormously” from the extension of the Overground line eight years ago.

She said: “The extension has enabled us to better connect with audiences, creative people and businesses across the capital as well as the local communities we serve.

“The launch of London Overground night services will enable more people to experience our programme of activities and will help support a responsible approach to the development of the night-time economy.”

Nadia Wyse, venue director of Printworks London near Canada Water station, also welcomed the move.

She said: “For London to be successful as a cultural capital and attract the best events and talent from around the world, it needs a vibrant night time economy supported by its transport networks.

“TfL’s announcement that all night London Overground services will pass through Canada Water is fantastic news for people visiting our events.”

The announcement of the Night Overground service comes as the London Overground celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

The all-night service will extend to Highbury and Islington next year.

Mehmet Ergen, artistic director of Arcola Theatre in Dalston, said: “The Night Overground will make it so much easier, cheaper and faster for our visitors and staff to get to Dalston and home again, as we stay open until 3am on weekends.

“It will make new journeys and experiences possible each and every week.”

Jonathan Fox, TfL’s Director of London Rail and Sponsored Services, said: “The East London line, from New Cross Gate to Dalston Junction, is one of the most popular parts of London Overground, with the railway having contributed hugely to the regeneration of large parts of London over recent years.

“All night services, on Fridays and Saturday nights, from 15 December will make it easier for our customers to explore east London and enjoy the area’s thriving night life and other attractions. It will also help support thousands of people working in night time jobs and boost the local and wider economy.”