Tag Archive for: Christmas Markets

The Festive Spirit Returns to Wimbledon

Love Wimbledon has brought the festive spirit to Wimbledon Town Centre in the lead up to Christmas, attracting visitors to the town through activities and events and the launch of The Wimbledon Gift Card

 

Decorating the Town

Our magical, twinkling tree has returned outside Wimbledon Station bringing a smile to commuters and visitors passing by, while children and families have been captivated by our Spot the Golden Reindeer installation, which has seen Santa’s nine reindeer back again with a new twist to celebrate local theatres. Christmas lights have been switched on and planters refreshed with festive flowers, including Wimbledon’s first Living Pillar which has been updated with air-scrubbing plants! We have dressed up the shop fronts of empty units along The Broadway with planting and pops of colour, presenting a more attractive town centre.

The Wimbledon Gift Card 

Love Wimbledon has launched London’s first town centre gift card, designed to encourage local spend in Wimbledon and provide essential support to a range of high street businesses within the community. This is a positive addition to the town centre, promoting the depth and range of businesses to the strong community and provides the great gift of choice to reward employees and volunteers this Christmas. Used like a pre-paid Mastercard, it’s redeemable at over 30 brands, independents, restaurants, lifestyle, entertainment and cultural venues in Wimbledon Town Centre, including department store Elys, Prince of Wales Pub, Lush and Fitness Space. To find out more and order The Wimbledon Gift Card for your staff, click here or register your business to take part here.

Wimbledon Winter Weekender

Taking the place of our Winter Wonderland event, we created a reimagined community event this year – the Wimbledon Winter Weekender, which took place 27-28 November. Spread across two days, the event featured community choirs, dance performances, schools acts, face painting, steel pans music, Santa appearances, ice-carving and the very popular fireworks. Businesses lended their support to the event, with Centre Court Shopping Centre hosting the fireworks display and many families, children and visitors getting involved and enjoying the return of live events. We thank those who visited the town for this event and supported local, braving the cold weather and showing true festive spirit.

Christmas Markets on The Piazza

In their 10th year, our Christmas Markets are always a popular event. Providing that extra sparkle to The Piazza and offering the perfect opportunity to pick up unique Christmas gifts and deliciously hot festive food, we have two upcoming Friday markets, for employees to visit during their lunchbreaks or after work*. Local artisans offer a broad range of products, including original art, home décor, bespoke jewellery, clothing, candles and much more.

*Our last two Christmas Markets are Friday 10th December – Sunday 12th December and Friday 17th December – Sunday 19th December, 11am to 6pm each day.

We’d like to thank all the businesses that have come together to support the local community and the town this Christmas, whether it’s by donating to local organisations who help those in need, or sponsoring our activities and events, to deliver Christmas festivities in a new way this year. Thank you to The Piazza and Centre Court Shopping for sponsoring the Christmas Tree as well as our Golden Reindeer, plus Polka Theatre and New Wimbledon Theatre for also supporting the reindeer installation. A final thank you to Morrisons Solicitors and WSM for sponsoring the floral planters on The Piazza.

Love Wimbledon Delivers A Safe Christmas

 

Whilst celebrations were different in 2020, Christmas spirit was very much alive in Wimbledon Town Centre. From our sparkling Christmas Tree, to a family-oriented Reindeer Trail and a month of magical Christmas markets, Love Wimbledon provided the community with a safe way to celebrate the Christmas and New Year period during various levels of restrictions.

Christmas Tree

A 25ft tree shone brightly, lighting up the entrance to Wimbledon Station in mid-November. Kindly sponsored by Morrison’s Solicitors, the tree marked the beginning of the festive period and provided cheer and positivity to the town.

Wimbledon’s First Reindeer Trail and Augmented Reality Experience 

This year we had to think creatively and deliver an event that was enjoyable and filled with Christmas spirit for residents and visitors of Wimbledon. Together with Centre Court Shopping Centre Wimbledon’s first reindeer trail was brought to life, designed and installed by Wimbledon BID business Firecracker Works and augmented reality, executed by The Locale.  

This gave the community a chance to engage in a socially-distanced outdoor festive activity at a time where Santa’s Grottos and Christmas events usually grace town centres and high streets – including our very own Winter Wonderland, which was cancelled due to the circumstances.

Consisting of nine bright and vibrant reindeer (including Rudolph) installed in various locations throughout the town centre, the trail would see Christmas characters come to life via a scannable QR code on the base of the reindeer and also gave users access to a virtual Santa’s Grotto (outside Lakeland in Centre Court Shopping). The event was well-received by the community and businesses and residents took part. 

Christmas Markets

Our Christmas Markets on The Piazza continued in 2020, driving footfall by providing locals with an outdoor shopping destination and the opportunity to feel the magic of Christmas. During periods of tighter restrictions, the market was adapted to serve food only and stalls were festively dressed and complemented by a lovely winter floral display, generously sponsored by WSM.

We’d like to thank businesses for their continued involvement in the community, from collaborating on or sponsoring installations and events, to donating to those in need and supporting one another in these difficult times. We wish everyone a brighter 2021 and a resilient town centre.