A joyous Christmas celebration for thousands in Willenhall
Close to 2,000 residents attended a Christmas festival at Willenhall Memorial Park on 15 December, made possible with funding through Crowdfund Walsall.
Willenhall Lock Stock and Willenhall Transport Show combined their efforts by starting their Crowdfund Walsall campaign in September to deliver the Willenhall Park Christmas Festival.
The project had 86 backers, raising £5,088. This also included a pledge for £3,077 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Crowdfund Walsall, which gives local people the opportunity to create and deliver projects in their local areas and improve the lives of residents, supported this project with funding for outdoor cinema hire, delivery of a lantern workshop, and event logistics (security, first aid, and insurance).
Residents were entertained with live music from many performers and groups including Bhangra Smash Up, local choir groups and school children. The town also saw a showcase of vintage and modern vehicles, including Santa and his convoy.
Over 25 stalls were on offer, as well as a variety of children’s rides and food vendors.
The lantern workshop gave families the opportunity to decorate festive lanterns and Santa hats. It culminated in a lantern walk around the park, followed by a Christmas movie classic, The Snowman, in the open-air cinema.
Residents said that it was a brilliant day out and very festive, with memories being made for everyone who attended.
Councillor Garry Perry, Leader of Walsall Council said: “The community of Willenhall have truly benefited from what has been a fantastic festive event and I would like to congratulate the Willenhall Lock Stock team and Willenhall Transport Show for making this happen, with the help of Crowdfund Walsall.
“Crowdfund Walsall is and continues to give communities across the borough the opportunity to bring people together, improve local areas and the lives of residents. It is our 2040 ambition for Walsall to be thriving and happy, where communities are celebrated, empowered and strengthened and where cohesion is at the heart of events like the Willenhall Christmas Festival.”
Anyone who attended the event is invited to give feedback and help improve future events. Visit the Willenhall Christmas Festival survey to share your thoughts. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information visit: UK Shared Prosperity Fund - GOV.UK.
