Watford Town Centre hosted a brand-new Christmas event called ‘Winterfest’ on Saturday 18 November to mark the beginning of the festive season. The free event included funfair rides, festive activities, food & drink stalls, a high street parade and live street performances to entertain locals.
The event, hosted by Watford Town Centre BID and funded by local businesses, took place on Watford high street and The Parade from 2pm – 6pm, filled with activities for all ages. There was a fantastic community feel as locals flooded the town to spend the afternoon with friends and family.
The free funfair rides included a rodeo reindeer, penguin skittles, a giant snow globe, test of strength, teacups a train ride and even more. It was wonderful to see so many children gleefully enjoying the Christmas-themed rides and even winning some great prizes!
One of the main features of the day was the Winterfest parade, which began at 4pm outside of Metro Bank and McDonald’s on the lower high street. The festive parade included a marching band, costume characters, local community groups, and a very special visit from Santa Claus himself as his sleigh produced snow whilst travelling alongside the delighted crowd!
Once the Winterfest parade concluded by the pond at the top end of town, Watford Town Centre’s stunning LED Christmas light installations were switched on for the very first time this winter. The twinkly lights have been funded by Watford Town Centre businesses for a fifth year running, with thanks to a contribution from Watford Borough Council. Make sure to pay them a visit and capture brilliant pictures whilst they’re in place until January.
The entertainment continued into the evening with truly spectacular street performances including Watford Rock Choir, jazz musician (Chris Harvey), violinist (Monika Suder), LED dancers and fire breathing performers. A massive thank you goes to all mentioned performers, and to local partners Herts Inclusive Theatre, Watford Palace Theatre, PQA Watford and Jigsaw Performing Arts for providing entertainment on the day.
Watford Town Centre Winterfest was funded by Watford Town Centre BID, a non-profit organisation funded and governed by over 400 businesses in the local area. Huge credit must go to those local businesses for financing such a positive event in the local community. A special mention also goes to all volunteers who helped to coordinate and manage the event on the day, without whom the event would not have been possible.
To view photos, videos and more from Watford Town Centre Winterfest and to find out what’s on locally during the Christmas period, be sure to check out @WatfordTownCentre Instagram, Facebook, X, Threads and TikTok accounts, as well as visiting www.watfordtowncentre.com for more information.
