BROMSGROVE hosted its tenth Christmas Market on the High Street last Friday as 14 local traders showcased their seasonal creations.
Among the items on offer were handmade gifts, produce, treats and decorations and the stalls were busy with shoppers from early on, whilst the sun shone down.
Picture courtesy of the Friends of St John’s. s
At lunchtime Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College students performed a wonderful ‘Sign and Sing’ to a large audience of shoppers and friends including chairman of the council, Coun Sam Ammar, and MP Bradley Thomas. The students enjoyed celebrating the festive season as part of the local community and singing is proven to have a positive impact on mental health and increase inclusion.
Picture courtesy of the Friends of St John’s. s
Jo Slade from the Friends of St John’s, which organises the Christmas Markets, said “The Friday markets day has always been a day where we focus on local charities.
“We were thrilled to be able to give a platform for the students from Chadsgrove College to perform – it is clear to see how much joy they gain from the opportunity to perform and to sell the items they help to make on their stall.
Picture by Tristan Harris.
“We also welcomed St Basil’s, the Cancer Research Shop, fundraisers from St John’s Church and a team from Amber Support Services, all of whom were able to raise vital funds and profile their excellent work.
“We are enormously grateful to Worcestershire County Councillor Josh Robinson for his generous support of the Christmas Markets which allows us to hold the markets and support so many charities.”
Picture courtesy of the Friends of St John’s. s
Christmas lights switch-on cancelled
The weekend did not go quite as planned with the Saturday Christmas Market and the lights switch-on both cancelled.
Jo added: “Everyone was extremely disappointed, but given the severe weather forecast it was the only option.
“As a charity we have lost out on vital funds as we made the decision to refund the stall holders who were missing out on what is traditionally a very good day.”
Picture by Tristan Harris.
She added everyone was pleased to see the town illuminated, albeit without an official ‘countdown and plunger moment’.
The Wishing Well in St John’s Street continued the festive spirit theme by opening its doors to some of the Christmas Market traders on Saturday at short notice.
