Examen pour le London School of Journalism
Each year, the local organization NW3 Hampstead sets up the Christmas festival in the Hampstead High Street, this year it was on Sunday 27th November from 10am to 5pm.
This event is more and more expected by the locals. A father’s family living in Hampstead said “Each year, my family are going here. Actually, we really love festivals. For example, we were in the Spanish festival in Regent Street which was really rubbish if you compare with this one”. These words are echoed by his twelve year old daughter who said “This festival is like a before Christmas, I enjoy attractions and eat different sweets”. Not just locals are coming here, a lot of people came from other areas of London. A bride living in Shoreditch said “It is the first time that I am coming to this festival and I don’t regret it at all. It is representing the spirit of Christmas. I will come next year for sure”.
Various attractions like rides, animal shows, Christmas carols, the presence of the stand-up comedian Michael Mc Intyre, and especially the different market stalls of food, clothes, and other staff attracted people. A seller of a clothes’ stand called 100% lambswool said “It is really much busier than last year because of the effective advertisement and the really nice weather. The people are enthusiastic to walk on the street, to speak with others, and to discover items”.
For independent business company, it is really an asset to present their products on festival. Bhusha, the patron of the Soy Candle Collect said “Our company is going to different markets in London. The Hampstead Christmas festival is one of the top. We try to come every year because our target is to create a link between us and the regular customers. There is a really formidable atmosphere here”.
It is as well a really good opportunity for the shops in Hampstead High Street because they account more costumers and can sell their products on the street. A manager of the coffee shop Maison Blanc, Rino Eramo, explained “It is an excellent opportunity to attract more people and make bigger profit. But it is not enough long. I think that they should organize more festivals in Hampstead. You could indeed feel the expectations from the locals”.
The police was in the area to provide the security, but as well to give advice. A policeman Sarah Ashley said “People are really interesting about our stand because they are feeling more and more insecure nowadays. A mugging took place in Hampstead few weeks ago”.
The desire from volunteers to participate on the Christmas celebration reflects the spirit of this festival. Susanne, one from the many volunteers, who had to take care of the road, said “I enjoy helping on the Hampstead festival. My award is to see happy people around me”. And it is a good opportunity for charity. Tam, a volunteer from Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, said “The atmosphere in the Hampstead festival is transmitted to people who are more generous. We are collecting much more money than we are expected to”. In a period where everyone is talking about crisis, an event like the Hampstead Christmas festival allows people to think about less serious subjects and coming slowly to the spirit of Christmas.
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