Wimbledon Winter Wonderland 2016
Wimbledon was treated to a magical, festive day of Christmas celebrations at Wimbledon Winter Wonderland.
Love Wimbledon’s popular ‘Wimbledon Winter Wonderland returned to Wimbledon Broadway on Sunday 27th November, which saw part of the road being closed to welcome Christmas to Wimbledon. Thousands were treated to festive performances, Christmas market stalls, street entertainment and children’s rides.
The stars from New Wimbledon Theatre’s Christmas panto appeared including Matthew Kelly to the delight of many and a giant stilt walking reindeer, penguins and a roller skating Christmas pudding brought the magic of Christmas to Wimbledon. New this year was ‘live ice carving’ which kept visitors entranced as the ice was carved into festive Christmas characters and the ‘magical marquee’ which provided a covered area for families to sit, enjoy hot food and take in all the magic was very popular.
Sally Warren, from Love Wimbledon commented ‘What a wonderful wonderland for Wimbledon this year. This event is all about families having fun. We had an array of local talent on the stage and fun rides and activities for everyone. The market was magical and many local traders enjoy being part of our Town Centre’.
With the Mayor of Merton officially opening the event at 12pm, musical acts including Borough Brass, Attic theatre and singer Emily Lee with presenter Paul Evers kept gatherers entertained with festive fun and Christmas songs. Paul Evers led the crowd to take on the ‘Mannequin challenge’ which saw visitors of all ages freezing like statues on The Piazza – a video that’s now already had over 2,000 views. Children’s rides including a carousel, rodeo reindeer and a snowboard simulator gave plenty to keep children happily entertained.
Family photos took place within a giant snow globe and market stalls sold festive presents and foods, mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, as well as a popcorn stand and candyfloss. Elys department store got into the Christmas spirit also with festive activity and Centre Court Shopping hosted a stage with fantastic performances all day.
