PRESS RELEASE
Holland on Sea celebrated the success of its first ever Late Night Christmas Shopping Event, which proved a real winner for both local businesses and residents alike.
Earlier in the day the “Dressed for Success” Christmas shop window display competition was judged by Mel and Julie of Make it Mine at Bloomfields of Kings Avenue who had very generously donated the trophy. With so many excellent entries it was a tough decision but the judges finally agreed it had to be Alexander’s Palace, stating:
“This double fronted window display was absolutely beautiful. Classic, traditional, creative; it encapsulated the spirit and true meaning of Christmas”
In the evening the residents of Holland on Sea came out in force to celebrate Christmas in the village. The local traders, the vast majority of which are independent, really pushed the boat out, or should that be sleigh, as they welcomed both new and regular customers with special offers and a wide variety of entertainment.
The children took part in a Treasure Trail around the heart of the village, whilst mums and dads cracked the seasonal anagram that required a search for all the letters. In Kings Avenue there was a ukulele band, local singer Tessa Collitt, plus Cinderella and Prince Charming, whilst round the corner in Holland Road there was crooner Keith Clark, guitarist/singer Eddie Nash, plus the Co-Op Band. Up at Stratford Road/York Road Rock ‘n’ Roll Dave entertained the crowd whilst the children were enthralled with the range of animals, including the famous “Pig Floyd”.
The Holland Singers moved around the village, singing traditional carols, including outside the Tavern with its snow-making machine working overtime. Such were the decorations at the Tavern that Bloomfields donated a special second trophy to the business for "Effort and Participation".
To conclude a wonderful evening the spectacular Christmas lights display of Mr. Jiggens was in full swing, entertaining young and old alike.
The whole event was organized by the Holland on Sea Residents’ Association, along with the Holland Business Sector. The Associations member for Trade and Commerce, Jill Rulten, explained:
“The evening was designed to bring together the residents of Holland on Sea and strengthen, still further, the real community spirit of the village. Coupled with this was the opportunity to showcase our local businesses that work so hard to keep Holland vibrant. From the response we have received the evening has proved a real success and will, almost certainly, become an annual event”
The following photograph was taken by Robert Wong Creative Photography of Mr Jiggens Christmas Lights
