“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” at Castle Park bandstand raises over £1,000 for Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank
More than £1,000 has been raised for Bishop’s Stortford Food Bank from a community Christmas sing-along in Castle Park.
Scores of people of all ages gathered around the bandstand in Sworder’s Field for the fourth annual “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” event, now a firm fixture in the town’s festive calendar, on Monday December 23.
Gaynor Purton, one of the organisers, said: “We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us. The team have had some well-deserved rest over the festive period and are already starting to plan for next year’s celebration.”
She acknowledged the grant support of two of the town’s three Herts county councillors – Calvin Horner and Alastair Ward-Booth – and Stansted Airport, and thanked others for their practical support.
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance provided the collection tins, while printing was taken care of by Jackson Square (song sheets) and Prontaprint Bishop’s Stortford (promotional posters).
Bill Tarran from Bishop’s Stortford Acoustic Club, supported by Josh, managed the sound, disco tribute band Uncle Funk’s Disco Inferno loaned stage lighting and the cost of other lights and a generator were covered by Tom.
Gaynor also thanked Markitdone for handyman services, volunteer collectors from local Scout and Guide groups, Stortford Music Festival for donating the Santa hats and East Herts Council for parking assistance.
“And, of course, a big thank you to all the talented musicians who volunteered their time and talent to make it such a special community sing-along,” she said. “We can’t wait to do it all again next year!”
The 2025 “Rocking’ Around the Christmas Tree” will take place on Tuesday December 23 – or Christmas Eve Eve – at 5pm.
People can still donate via the food bank’s online Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/bishopstortfordfoodbank.