A CITY neighbourhood enjoyed record turnout for its Christmas Light celebrations this weekend.

The Garden Quarter Christmas festivities comprised four events; the school Christmas Fayre at Chester Blue Coat Primary School, the annual Switch-on event on Garden Lane, a knees up in the local bars and the Garden Quarter Christmas Market at St Thomas of Canterbury Church.

After a very successful Christmas Fayre at the school, the children made their traditional carol singing procession through the streets to the pop up stage on Garden Lane to perform Christmas songs.

They were joined by an array of other performers, including the University of Chester Orchestra and the University of Chester Choir.

Making their debut performance were the newly formed University of Chester Barbershop Choir who performed an a cappella version of Anthem from the musical Chess.

Local mum’s group Cambrian Queens made a welcome return to the stage with a couple of dance numbers, and the crowds cheered Chester’s new LGBT chorus Proud Marys who performed their own arrangement of East 17’s Christmas hit Stay. Proud Marys were delighted to be part of the celebrations as they now rehearse at Chester Blue Coat in the neighbourhood.

Proud Mary member Mark Shone said: "Thank you Garden Quarter for allowing us to be part of your Christmas celebrations. What a fabulous community you are!” Hundreds of locals have a rapturous applause to new discovery Robyn Hurst, store assistant at Garden Lane’s One-Stop, who sang a rousing version of Hallelujah."

 

Jenny Challinor switched on the lights

But the undoubted highlight of the switch-on was local celebrity Jenny Challinor who switched on the lights with a wave of her brightly illuminated lollipop.

Jenny, who has been the school ‘Lollipop Lady’ for an impressive 29 years, said to the crowds: “I am so proud to be here with my family to switch on the lights this year. I love the Garden Quarter community.”

As the Christmas trees suspended above shops and bars on Garden Lane were illuminated, the proceedings ended with the traditional ‘Sleigh Ride’ by city’s A Handbag of Harmonies choir.

The evening continued with celebrations in the three much loved pubs, The Bouverie, the Chichester Arms and the Goat and Munch.

A comment on twitter read, “This is what I love about Chester. Yes, the city centre has its switch-on event, but the various communities throughout always look at doing their own events throughout the year too, whether it's a festival or Christmas switch-on. Is there a more community spirited environment?”

Festival organisers were delighted with the most successful Garden Quarter Christmas Market which took place the next day at St Thomas of Canterbury Church.

More than a thousand people attended the event which included live entertainment from the children of Chester Blue Coat, Chester Little Big Band and Proud Marys.

 

Locals help out at the Christmas Market

The event was opened by Dave Wilson, bar owner of the Goat and Munch.

Local residents and members of Northgate Church and Uniting Church of Garden Lane contributed enormously to the community event.

Vicar of St Thomas’ Fr Steve Sheridan said: “It's always a joy to host the Garden Quarter Christmas Market. This year's has been the best one yet with over 1000 people of all ages coming through the doors. It has also been an occasion which truly highlights the creativity, diversity and inclusiveness of all involved with great support from members of local businesses, our church, Northgate Church, primary school and local musicians, choirs and residents all contributing to a hugely memorable day.”

Christmas in the Garden Quarter continues with a Christmas Quiz and Barn Dance night at the local school this Friday at 7pm, the annual Cambrian Nativity on Sunday, December 15, in ‘Jim’s Yard’ where the youngest baby plays Jesus, and a programme of Carol Services and Christmas celebrations in Northgate Church, St Thomas of Canterbury Church and Uniting Church of Garden Lane.

Chair of the Garden Quarter Festivals and Events Committee, Sarra Cooper said: “We are so delighted that the weekend brought together people of all generations, school children, students, families and the elderly generations in a really special way.”

Information on forthcoming events can be found on the Garden Quarter Facebook page.