The Henleaze Christmas Festival once again attracted huge crowds who enjoyed the variety of stalls, entertainment and late-night shopping.
Festival co-ordinator Jane Emery said: “It is always wonderful to see how many of the local community turn out to enjoy the evening. It makes all the hard work to put on the event worthwhile.”
Stalls and shops, many remarking on the “great vibes”, reported good business as festival-goers took the chance to get ahead with their Christmas shopping. There were ten new stallholders this year including children’s bead jewellery and upcycled/recycled handbags. Shops offering tasty hot treats outside their premises did a brisk trade.
There was a long queue of young hopefuls waiting for a chat with Father Christmas in his Grotto in Cardigan Road where the ever-popular children’s entertainment was also sited.
Entertainment, both in the Bradbury Hall and the Outside Arena in Waterford Road, attracted the crowds. Local schools were much in evidence – choirs from Henleaze Infants and Juniors plus St Ursula’s E-Act Academy, and a String Group Wind Band and handbell ringers from Red Maids Junior High School. And there were more young entertainers from the Dance Inspirations dance school.
Musical entertainment also came from a variety of choirs from barbershop with Bristol A Cappella, rock from the Bristol Rock Choir, shanty from Storm Force 10, popular music from the Mosaic Singers and Bristol Cantorion, and choral from the Henleaze Choral Society.
There was more dancing with demonstrations from two local Scottish Dancing groups and Mevans Dance who run weekly sessions and performance workshops. The Salvation Army were on hand bringing their own special Christmas spirit with their brass band.
“We are hugely grateful to all the performers who give their services free. It is such an important part of the evening,” Jane Emery said.
Steve Yabsley of Radio Bristol was MC for the evening. Both Trinity-Henleaze URC and St Peter’s opened for the evening with craft work for young visitors featured.
The three charities supported this year by the festival`s prize draw were: EveryFAMILY who provide help for families with children under five, The Family Centre (Deaf Children) and Vision Care for Homeless People.
Work will soon begin on planning next year’s festival. “There’s a lot to organise and much to do,” said Jane Emery.
Anyone who would like to join the team of volunteers is asked to contact Jane by email at: janeemery1951@gmail.com
