Two choirs, mulled wine, boozy coffees, a queue to visit Father Christmas, children’s drama, a treasure hunt, gifts, crafts, stalls and more were on offer at the ‘Christmas in the Triangle’ event as dusk fell on Saturday (Dec 14).
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Of course we’d even been treated to Christmas lights at the Triangle for what’s thought to be the first time, which certainly helped set the scene.
And this year a PA provided mainly Christmassy tunes over the noise of the traffic, with thankfully not too many announcements at all!
The event was organised by traders, but with individual shops largely “doing their own things”.
The Bitterne Park Community Choir were in fine voice, wafting carols from the clock tower to some admirable accompaniment, while a last-minute addition to the loose programme saw part of another choir from Above Bar Church (see a clip on Facebook) perform at The Songbird Cafe, as customers enjoyed refreshments including Baileys hot chocs, and, proving that the cold weather was nothing to Bitterne Parkers, even ice creams!
“We went down at 3.30 - it was busy. Stalls out, Santa’s grotto, everything as advertised. My kids loved the treasure hunt and Pyjama Drama. The carols were also lovely. Thanks to everyone involved,” commented Sarah Cope on Facebook.
Meanwhile Track 21, which had organised the Triangle treasure hunt, posted: “Wow what a day! What can we say ! @bitternepark you completely swept us off our feet and drank more mulled wine and baileys hot chocolate than we could have ever imagined! We have not long sat down and are now reflecting on what was a fantastic turn out of the local community....
“And well done to @darnitstitch and @rideride_cycle_workshop and all of the Bitterne Park traders for a great event!”
In fact most of the traders seemed to be doing good business, not least the Butcher’s Hook with their bottle shop and craft beer refreshments.
“It was very busy. The whole place was buzzing. I think the whole community turned out – it was lovely,” said co- organiser Cathy Baker from Darn It & Stitch.
”The weather was perfect. I didn’t actually get out the shop to see how everything else went but as far as I understand everything went beautifully. It was really really nice. And there was something extra about it being in the evening I think.
“I think the same again next year – another evening thing. And we’ll see if we can enquire about closing the road.
“It would be quite nice, wouldn’t it?”