Hamlet Court Road event kick-starts Christmas festivities

Organised by Hamlet Court Calling, a Westcliff community group, and supported by various other charitable organisations, including Age Concern Southend, the Festive Friday event saw business open their doors for late-night shopping and celebrations.

It follows the inaugural Festive Friday, which took place last year to mark the return of the road’s Christmas lights for the first time in half a decade.

Christmas - Left to right: Residents Bethany, Heather, Kevin enjoyed the event (Image: Newsquest)

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Heidi Webster, owner of Made You Look florist, said: “We’re hosting wreath-making classes, which are super popular, and showcasing all of our Christmas bits.

“It’s great for the community to really come together and show off what we’ve got to offer, which is an awful lot of small independent businesses all supporting each other.”

Grotto - Businesses went all out for the second year in a row (Image: Newsquest)

Hamlet Court Road was once the heart of Southend, and continues to serve as the home for plenty of independent businesses ranging from florists to fashion boutiques.

It was designated a Conservation Area in 2021, and many of its historic buildings are now protected from development, allowing the street to retain its 19th-century charm.

Joy - Heidi Webster owns Made You Look florist (Image: Newsquest)

Beverly Ashwood, co-owner of Eliza boutique, said: “We’ve been here for 16 years and love these events that allow us to say thank you to our customers.

“It’s a really friendly road, and we all came together to get this sorted.”

Peter Walsh, co-owner of Eliza, said: “Tonight we’re serving mulled wine and mince pies in conjunction with the event, which is offering the chance to get together for Christmas.”

Festive - Elves spread mischief on Hamlet Court Road (Image: Newsquest)

In addition to businesses offering extended opening hours and dedicated activities for the event, residents were also treated to live entertainment from an array of talented musicians from across south Essex.

Bethany Busks, was one of those to provide live music for the well-attended celebration.

She said: “It’s a wonderful event and so nice to be a part of, playing music and spreading some cheer.”

Business - Beverly Ashwood and Peter Walsh run Hamlet Court Road’s Eliza boutique (Image: Newsquest)

Hamlet Court Road's Christmas lights will be up until early January.