Local residents gathered around the 18ft Christmas tree in Hulme Park last Friday evening to launch the festive season with the Christmas tree light switch on and a visit from Mother and Father Christmas, who gave out selection boxes to all the children who attended.
A gospel choir came along to sing for the crowd that gathered to see Charlotte Hughes, founder of local cancer charity ‘Charlottes Shining Star’ switch on the tree lights in Hulme Park on Stretford Road in Manchester.
Children were able to visit Mother and Father Christmas in the grotto and there was an array of festive activities and displays on offer, including a Christmas crafts stall, with wreath making, card decorating and bauble designing as well as mulled wine and a BBQ. Various activities also took place, including Zumba sessions and Aspire Street Dance. Greater Manchester Police Horses were on show and Pudsey Bear also joined the festivities.
This was a partnership event, organised and funded by local housing provider Guinness Northern Counties, Manchester City Council, Greater Manchester Police, Arawak Housing Association and City South Housing.
Hulme Community Garden Centre, tenants of the Zion Community Resource Centre run by The Big Life Company and the Hulme Adventure Play Ground set-up and ran the festive craft activities.
Local support group ‘Supportive Sisters’, which works in the community supporting sick families, were on hand to give out information on their services, along with Ground Works who provided a marquee with various activities such as Stacking Cup, Connect 4, Jenga and balancing toys for the children to get involved with.
Carol Williams, Housing Officer for Guinness Northern Counties, which manages over 300 properties in the Hulme area of Manchester, said “It was a fantastic turn out by families living in the Hulme area. There were over 400 residents from the various landlords who attended. Speaking to some of the residents on the day they said that this was the best festival they have attended in Hulme and that it was so nice that it was all family orientated. The Zion Centre, who work with the local community within Hulme to provide a variety support services agreed this event was a fantastic success and hoped that we would do the same next year. “
Nick Hunter, Regeneration Ward Officer from Manchester City Council, said: “Everyone pulled together throughout the three hour event to ensure everyone was kept busy, residents went home happy and proud with their own creations, the example of partnership working under one gazebo, demonstrated the partnership working and care for the community that went into making this event happen and be such a success.”
Cllr Mary Murphy, of Manchester City Council, commented: “This is the best festival I have seen in Hulme, thank you to everyone who attended.”