20251129 Bournville Christmas Light Switch On 9

Bournville shines bright for Christmas

11/12/2025

Bournville welcomes the festive season with a spectacular Christmas lights switch-on event.

Hundreds of residents joined the celebrations, organised by local housing association Alliance Homes and The For All Healthy Living Company (FAHLC), through their joint National Lottery-funded project, Our Neighbourhood Network. The event saw families and neighbours come together to enjoy a night of festive fun. 

 

Family standing in front of a Christmas Dubs van.
(Family standing in front of a Christmas Dubs van)

One of the highlights was the arrival of Christmas Dubs by The Vee Dub Family and their fleet of 40 Volkswagen vans decorated in dazzling Christmas lights. The convoy raises money for Bristol-based charity The Grand Appeal, which supports Bristol Children’s Hospital.  Alliance Homes and their supplier, Jones Building Group, donated a total of £500 to the charity. 

 

 

Santa Claus and Mrs Claus with a fundraising bucket.
Santa Claus and Mrs Claus.

The festivities continued in the community café at The For All Healthy Living Centre, with a surprise visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, who took time out of their busy schedule to meet families and spread Christmas cheer. 

Alliance Homes’ Bournville Community Hub opened its doors, offering Christmas activities and an opportunity to for people to talk and connect with new people. 

 

Local singer Mike Ritchie.
(Local singer Mike Ritchie)
Visitors were treated to live music of Christmas favourites from local singer Mike Ritchie, while the nearby Bournville Chocolate Garden featured a beautifully lit Christmas tree and served hot chocolate. 

A local resident described the event as“Absolutely bloody brilliant! A great atmosphere with so many people.  Thanks to everyone who organised it.” 

 

People enjoying the celebrations.
(People enjoying the celebrations)
Helen Wheelock, Community Growth Manager at Alliance Homes said: 

 “Our Neighbourhood Network is all about bringing local people together - connecting families, neighbours and the whole community to help build resilience. We know that Christmas isn’t always the easiest time for everyone, but today’s event was about everyone coming together and celebrating what we share here in Bournville and Weston.” 

 

Josie Bowden, Community Coordinator at Jones Building Group with Helen Wheelock, Community Growth Manager at Alliance Homes.
(Josie Bowden, Community Coordinator at Jones Building Group with Helen Wheelock, Community Growth Manager at Alliance Homes)
Community Coordinator, Josie Bowden from Jones Building Group said: 

“Alliance Homes’ strong connection to the community is so important to us as partners. Being part of the festive fun and celebrating alongside everyone who makes this community special is a treat.”