December arrived in style in Hutton Road with ‘Festive Shenfield’, hosted by Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District (BID), on Sunday 1 December. The event filled with music performances and festive activities from businesses attracted crowds of families to enjoy the day, taking the opportunity to support local by spending time in shops, bars, cafės and restaurants in Shenfield.
From one end of Hutton Road to the other, live music created a festive atmosphere and encouraged visitors to spend time exploring the area. From saxophonist Madhu Pike and solo guitarist Andy outside Hollands Wine Bar, to a children’s disco outside Shenfield Day Nursery, there was entertainment for all ages throughout the afternoon. A live stage outside Shenfield Library was enjoyed by crowds eating and drinking in extra seating brought in for the event, and at Liquorice and The Lot Bar & Restaurant, with performances from The Buskerteers, Brentwood Theatretrain, The Britannia Pipe Band, Willowbrook Primary School, Scott Wood, Callum Wood, Razzamataz Theatre Schools, Josh Barber, First Serve Music and winner of ITV’s ‘Starstruck’, Keeley Smith. The Confessions kept audiences around foureighty, Shenfield Wine Company and Jasmine Bleu dancing with a mixture of classic soul, disco and funk hits played into the evening.
Despite the wet weather, many businesses hosted special festive events on the day, coming out onto the street to meet customers and showcase their offerings. Roses Bakery baked special Christmas creations and sold out of everything by the end of the event. There was free chai tea and hot chocolate at luxury Indian occasion-wear business Lilly’s Boutique, mulled wine and Christmas cocktails in aid of SNAP Charity at Shenfield Wine Company, gingerbread decorating and Christmas storytelling at Hamburger by Hepburns, and glitter tattoos at Kip McGrath Tuition. There were also Christmas giveaways and competitions at Five Physio and The Dental Works, with a raffle and tombola in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society at Sincerely Yours raising an impressive £920. Mayor of Brentwood, Cllr Mark Haigh, visited to enjoy the event and chat with businesses.
Free face-painting at West End Interiors, multiple walkabout acts and children’s rides were popular with young visitors and a free Santa’s Grotto, sponsored by Rainer Hughes Solicitors supporting Kids Inspire, was a highlight of the day for many. This was located at The Strand hair salon and attracted queues of people awaiting the opportunity to meet Santa and receive a Christmas gift from him and his team of elves.
Gemma King, Director of The Strand, said, “It was great to welcome families to the Santa’s Grotto experience at The Strand, sponsored by Rainer Hughes. Having Brentwood Connected at the helm for Festive Shenfield, organising a fantastic day for all ages, made it a huge success. The businesses in Shenfield always pull together to host free events for our community, putting on special activities and coming up with creative ways of making things fun for our valued customers. I’m always so excited for The Strand to be a part of events like this, giving us the opportunity to open our doors to new visitors."
The festive fun continues for Brentwood Connected with its final Christmas event, the Ingatestone Christmas Market, taking place on Sunday 8 December. With over 60 market stalls at the Ingatestone Community Centre and areas of the High Street, live entertainment, more walkabout acts, a Santa’s grotto and a Children’s Toy Trail, it promises to be a fantastic Christmas shopping experience which supports Ingatestone High Street businesses. All the Brentwood Connected festive events have been supported by Brentwood Borough Council, Brentwood Theatre, Razzamataz Theatre School and Stagecoach Performing Arts.
Brentwood Connected is a unique Business Improvement District (BID) supporting the borough’s three high streets and funded by town centre businesses to improve the experience of residents, visitors, employees and businesses in Brentwood, Shenfield and Ingatestone. For information about Brentwood Connected, including events listings, business directories and local information, visit www.brentwoodconnected.co.uk. Details about local Christmas events, including the Ingatestone Christmas Market, is available on www.brentwoodconnected.co.uk/christmas.