A budding new community has marked the first Christmas for many of its new residents with a festive celebration event.
We invited residents of Summers Bridge, and neighbours living at the wider Airfields development in Deeside, to a Christmas lights switch on with a host of entertainment and special guests.
These included Santa himself, thanks to Deeside Round Table, Santa’s reindeers, and Chester-based choir AmaSing, who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year.
Phoebe Davies, head of regional marketing at Anwyl Homes, said: “Thanks to all our new homeowners at Summers Bridge and the wider community, who joined us for our Christmas lights switch on. Around 80 people attended, which was a fabulous turnout. We’d like to thank the AmaSing choir, who sung so beautifully and entertained the crowds, as well as Deeside Round Table for directing Santa and his float to our new neighbourhood for the first time.
“It was wonderful to see such a strong community spirit here already as families met with Santa and his reindeer, took part in a Christmas cupcake workshop in our show homes and enjoyed mulled wine and hot chocolate with new friends and neighbours.”
Summers Bridge resident Katie Jones said: “Anwyl has created a special place for us to call home. The recent community event, Light Up Summer's Bridge, was such a lovely idea. It brought residents together, gave many the chance to meet their new neighbours, and enjoy good food, music and a wonderful atmosphere. I’m sure it made many people’s first Christmas here memorable and has been such a warm and welcoming start to life in our new home.”
We donated £500 to AmaSing as a thank you for performing, which will be used by the choir to provide workshops for children in disadvantaged communities across Flintshire, Wrexham, Cheshire and the Wirral.
Rachael Borman, director at AmaSing, said: “Thank you to Anwyl Homes for inviting us to their fantastic event, the children and families loved it. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Anwyl for their generous contribution to our fundraising for our charitable foundation. The funds will be used to cover one of our school workshops, which will provide inspiring arts education to around 50-60 children who are taking part in our projects.”
AmaSing will launch their brand new school workshops, led by professional musicians and creative arts specialists, in the new year. These aim to support children’s mental health by using creative arts to enhance young people’s confidence and self-esteem. They will involve around 50 local schools, in total reaching around 8,000 young people in workshops and 1,500 children in their huge community celebratory performances at Chester Cathedral and The Floral Pavillion in New Brighton.
Summers Bridge is part of the redevelopment of the former RAF Sealand site and will eventually feature 183 Anwyl homes over two phases, alongside retail and commercial units plus leisure facilities created across 140 acres. The Airfields is the largest strategic development in Flintshire, delivering much-needed new homes and creating open space and play areas for residents to enjoy.
It’s two years since we began work on site and around 40 families have now moved in. Homes are currently priced from £219,995 – within the £300,000 price cap for Help to Buy Wales.
For more information see Summers Bridge.
To see more about AmaSing’s work view the film.
