Henleaze Christmas Festival once again packed in the crowds with its stalls, selling a mix of goods from knitted teddy bears to festive food, and a variety of entertainment including choirs, bands and demonstrations of Pilates and flower arranging.
“We were delighted with the huge numbers of people who came to enjoy the fun. It is always a wonderful way to set off the festive season,” said festival co-ordinator Jane Emery.
Festival goers were kept entertained with a record number of entertainers performing at three different venues, the Bradbury Hall, the outside Arena in Waterford Road and at St Peter’s Church in The Drive where there was also, for the first time, a designated disabled car park.
This year Cardigan Road was designated an exclusive children’s area, making more room for the hundreds of children, and the adults looking after them, to enjoy the rides. “It was a huge success,” said Jane.
Among the attractions in Cardigan Road was a Santa’s Grotto where Father Christmas was doing brisk business.
Every year the festival raises money for local charities through a prize draw and this year they are: the Aid Box Community, Bristol North West Foodbank, Dexter’s Odyssey and Home-Start Bristol.
With this year’s festival completed, plans are already being made for the next one.
“It is a year-long process and requires a lot of work and planning. We are always looking for new volunteers to help make it happen,” said Jane Emery.
Anyone who would like to volunteer can contact Jane at: mikeandjane.emery@blueyonder.co.uk.