This year’s Henleaze Christmas Festival has been voted a huge success with hundreds of people enjoying the many stalls, entertainment and festive food.
Festival coordinator Jane Emery said: “The feedback has been very positive from both the stallholders and members of the public”.
The large crowds ensured good business for the many stallholders offering a range of products from festive food, jams and cheeses to craft products and one offering a spinal health check. Shopkeepers, including food outlets, who stayed open late reported brisk trade.
Santa`s Grotto was a popular venue for young festival goers and their charges. Long queues built up during the evening. Father Christmas exhausted his supply of chocolates and the blow-up elf proved a popular attraction with many young customers taking selfies. The rides in Cardigan Road attracted big crowds and the doughnut stall proved popular.
Craftwork, organised in the foyer of Trinity-Henleaze church foyer, was well attended. And there was more children`s craft at St. Peter`s church in The Drive where there was also an Open Mic Night.
The entertainment, always a big part of the festival, was a big draw with large crowd enjoying performances in the Bradbury Hall and the Outside Arena ranging from school choirs to those performing choral music, a capella, rock and shanties. The Salvation Army rounded off the evening with carols and festive music.
Festival sponsors, CJ Hole, got an enthusiastic response to the quizzes, mulled wine and mince pies they laid on for the evening. The company`s staff also joined the volunteers helping to set up the festival in the morning.
There was a good response to the prize draw which raises money for three local charities. This year they are the Marmalade Trust, Bristol Down Syndrome Trust and Suicide Prevention UK.
Local Air Cadets proved their worth during the evening picking up litter and at the end of the evening taking down barriers, gazebos and lights.
Jane Emery added: “I am also grateful to all the volunteers, especially our small committee group who work throughout the year to ensure the festival goes smoothly”.
Anyone who would like to join the volunteers please contact Jane Emery at: janeemery1951@gmail.com.