Why you should support community events this Christmas!

Last weekend I had the pleasure of hosting the Balham Christmas Lights switch-on, with Riverside Radio. One of six events Riverside has put on in South West London this Christmas.

It can be tempting when planning Christmas activities to jump on the winter wonderland bandwagon or book a panto with a vaguely celebrity cast. Here's why I think you should be looking out for more community events alongside your "He's behind youuuu"'s.

Community Christmas events are relatively inexpensive! At the Balham Christmas lights there was no charge to watch, no fee to see Father Christmas (Yes the big man himself was there) just joyful performances from local people and lots of Christmas cheer. Event sponsors, Samuel Estates, had a stall selling mulled wine and brownies to raise money and awareness for Sarcoma UK.

You could be finding your 2024 New Year's resolution! At many of our Christmas events, we've had community groups like dance schools, knitting groups, and choirs, all open to new members! I had a wonderful chat with The Monumental Choir who are based in Balham about joining them for a singsong next year and they were so welcoming to new members of all abilities!

Local events raise money for your direct community. Food stalls, most often small local businesses, could become your new favourite restaurant or cafe, arts and craft stands raise money for vital community groups, as well as bake sales raising money for local charities right here on your doorstep!

As a society we've become more and more individualistic which at times can be quite isolating, especially in big cities like London! What struck me about all of the Riverside Radio Christmas events is there is such a warm and friendly energy throughout. I've never seen so many Londoners saying hello to each other and chatting to the people next to them when someone inevitably gets the next line of the Christmas carol wrong. What a way to make friends locally!

We've all seen the TikTok's of Columbia roads now cancelled Christmas carols, which became overcrowded after going viral on social media. Instead of following the hype of a "hidden gem" on TikTok this Christmas, support your community by heading to your local Christmas events!