THIS year’s Christmas on the Hill event brought families out onto Staple Hill’s shopping streets to celebrate the start of the festive season.
Organised by the Staple Hill Chamber of Trade, the event on November 29 included a petting farm with goats and sheep, donkey rides and an expanded fun fair outside the Staple Hill Oak pub, made possible by a road closure.
There was a visit from cartoon favourite Stitch, magic from Jingles the Elf and music from the Salvation Army in Broad Street.
Fountain Square was the scene of a series of choir performances, including from The Tynings and Mangotsfield primary school choirs and the Great Day Choir.
The entertainment finished with a carol concert in the square, followed by a Christmas light switch-on ceremony.
Fountain Square also hosted a busy market, while there was also a Christmas fair in the Methodist Church on the High Street and storytelling sessions in the library led by councillors, parish council chair Angela Bragg and Bristol North East MP Damien Egan.
Chamber secretary Tina Lewis said: “Christmas on the Hill brought joy to residents of all ages, transforming the high street into a hub of entertainment, music, and festive cheer.
“The high street was busier than ever.
“Father Christmas proved a highlight, staying longer than planned to meet every child — so dedicated he even missed the tree lights switch-on!
“This year’s Christmas on the Hill truly captured the spirit of Staple Hill. It was wonderful to see families, traders, and community leaders come together to celebrate.”
