Spreading seasonal cheer in London

The past few weeks have seen many successful Christmas events taking place across our London developments – from cocktail evenings and carol concerts to family-focused workshops and Christmas markets. Here we learn more about the celebrations that have kicked off the festive season across our neighbourhoods.

Christmas came early for our London team this year. It was the first weekend in December in fact when we descended on Goodluck Hope on the Leamouth Peninsula to host an all-day Christmas-themed community celebration – the first of a month of festive celebrations.

Wrapping up from the cold, our visitors embraced the wintry weather to make the most of a whole host of activities including gingerbread house decorating workshops with Layers Bakery - a new offering soon opening at Goodluck Hope. The event allowed the Layers’ team to showcase its business to the community by running a number of groups to take part in the edible, festive fun.

Families and Frozen fans also enjoyed two afternoon screenings of the Disney classic in the Cinema, whilst London Docklands Singers performed classic carols from the Dry Dock as visitors were treated to complimentary mulled wine and mince pies from another new commercial tenant, Taylor’s of Goodluck Hope. The celebrations provided entertainment for the community and the opportunity for neighbours to gather together on their doorstep, with all ticket proceeds donated to local homelessness charity, Your Place (Caritas Anchor House).

A few days later saw Embassy Gardens pull out all the stops for a special Christmas carol concert in partnership with our resident and inspiring local charity, World Heart Beat. As an important part of our community here, the concert provided a unique opportunity to showcase this world-class facility and hub for culture, which we’re always proud to celebrate as home to some of the world’s leading music talent. 

Taking place within the charity’s dedicated concert hall at Embassy Gardens, the carol concert boasted an impressive line-up of World Heart Beat’s performers. Ranging from community choir groups to bands, instrumentalists, and musical talent, it created an incredibly unique Christmas atmosphere as visitors enjoyed the music along with a festive tipple and delicious mince pies. The ticket proceeds were donated to homelessness charity Bags of Taste with matched donation from Embassy Gardens. 

Meanwhile at our luxury development in Canary Wharf, residents and guests of the team at Wardian enjoyed drinks and canapes overlooking the London skyline views from The Observatory, whilst expert gift-wrappers added that special touch to their Christmas gifts.

Our fourth event was held by our team at Riverscape, who welcomed customers, new residents, and the local community to a relaxed, warming ‘Carols & Cocktails’ evening reception. Guests escaped the cold and windy December weather to celebrate Christmas with festive cocktails and canapes, whilst live carol performances by The Noelles set the informal tone and enabled guests to mingle with their neighbours and find out more about life at Riverscape.

Lastly, we hosted a large Christmas market at The Brentford Project in partnership with local community group Brentford Voice, with activity taking place along Bradshaw Yard and Market Place on Brentford High Street. Thousands of people gathered to enjoy food and drink – including from the area’s newest offering Sam’s Waterside and upcoming new restaurant Rottura, as well as Christmas gifting stalls alongside live music and local choir performances.

Reflecting on the success of this year’s Christmas calendar, Ballymore’s Brian De’ath, Managing Director for Sales and Marketing said: “Ballymore creates places with a soul, thriving neighbourhoods in which everyone can live, work and play. These festivities are testament to that, bringing everyone together with a range of vibrant events that celebrate the best of each community.   

“A big thank you to everyone for their involvement and Christmas spirit to make each event so successful.”