Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree returns to the Sworder’s Field bandstand in Castle Park for a third year of Christmas Eve Eve charity cheer
For the third year in a snow row, people of all ages are invited to an event in Castle Park which organisers hope will become a Bishop’s Stortford seasonal staple on Christmas Eve Eve.
‘Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree’ started out as an idea among a couple of friends a few years ago and has blossomed into a community charity sing-along.
As with the two previous years, 2023’s event will take place at the Sworder’s Field bandstand from 5pm on December 23, which this year falls on a Saturday.
Organisers hope that not only residents of Stortford and surrounding villages will join them, but also their visiting families, adding to the Christmas cheer.
They look forward to people coming together to sing Christmas favourites. Backing music will be provided by local musicians, comprising talented youngsters and others of a rather more extended vintage.
Attendees are encouraged to take torches, to wear Santa hats and light-up reindeer antlers as well as warm clothing and sturdy footwear – and cash for the charity collection buckets.
Last year’s event raised more than £1,000 for Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank and Holy Trinity Winter Night Shelter. This year the collection is for the food bank only.
Food bank manager Helen Kenny said: “Last year's donations meant we were able to provide Christmas bags for local families to include some extra goodies to help during this festive period. This year we would like to be able to reach out to many more families for whom this would make a real difference.
“I have recently joined the food bank as the new manager and can see how the need for our support is increasing in these challenging times. However, it’s amazing to see how the local community comes together to support us with donations throughout the year, which we really do appreciate.”
Organisers acknowledged the support of local county, district and town councillor Calvin Horner, James Felton, Prontaprint, estate agent David Lee, Simon Baker of Livewire Rock Academy and Markitdone handyman services.