The Boldmere Christmas Festival 2023 took place on Sunday 19th November 2023 from 1pm to 6pm with the Christmas Lights being switched on by Boldmere community hero Ray Beech at 5:20pm followed by a 3 minute fireworks display.
Thank you to everyone for your record entrance donations of £6,925. This helps us to keep running these events every year as without the generosity of the Boldmere Community, we would not have sufficient funds to cover all of our £20,000 costs. The event is not-for-profit run by Boldmere Futures CIC and any surpluses are used to cover losses for other festivals or are re-allocated to other Boldmere community projects.
If you would like to volunteer for any of our festivals, please visit www.boldmere.org/volunteer
Click on the arrows below to view our photos on Flickr, including those taken by our volunteer and student photographer Tracey Vickers.
Watch the videos below of children enjoying the Bumper Carz, the Ferris Wheel, part of the fireworks display and Real Life Church performing the last song of the night.
| 13:00 – 13:30 | Trinity Players Music from the Theatre |
| 13:45 – 14:15 | O’Halloran Local singer songwriter performing acoustic covers and originals or with a stripped down band |
| 14:30 – 15:00 | Hugh Blackwood Singer from Atlantic Players performing Christmas songs |
| 15:15 – 16:00 | Ruby & Ed Local singer songwriter duo, covers and originals |
| 16:15 – 17:00 | Guilty Secrets Rock, Blues, Rock n Roll and Soul Covers |
| 17:00 – 17:05 | Jenna Catton Local storyteller |
| 17:05 – 17:15 | Andi Markham (The Puppet Man) with his friends Jack and Grandad |
| 17:15-17:20 |
Christmas message from the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield Christmas Lights Switch-on by Ray Beech (Boldmere community stalwart and retiring Chairman of Boldmere Neighbourhood Forum) Fireworks |
| 17:20-17:25 | Dick Whittington pantomime From the Top Theatre Company. Performances at Highbury Theatre from 12th to 16th December |
| 17:25-18:00 | Upbeat Christmas Carols with Real-LIfe Church Sing along to upbeat Christmas Carols with a 5-piece band and from Real Life Church who meet on Sundays at 10:30 at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls |
The funfair included:
- Feris Wheel
- Fun House
- Mini Bumper Cars
- Helter Skelter
- Planes ride
- Cup and saucer ride
- Bungee trampolines
- Roundabout
- Hook-a-Duck
Special attractions included:
- Helipod (real shell of a decomissioned helicopter) from Midlands Air Ambulance
- Fire appliance from Erdington Fire Station
Street food included:
Hot and cold savoury food:
- Hot turkey, beef rolls, yorkshire pudding wraps and luxury hot chocolate from K and N Catering
- The Scran Box – dirty fries and nachos
- Spice it up BBQ – serving Caribbean food including Jerk Chicken, Curry Mutton, Jerk Pork, BBQ Pork Ribs, Sweet Potato Curry, Rice and Peas
- Tasty States – hot pressed wraps and sides inspiredby American flavours
- Wood fired Pizza from Jockey Road based Cart & Carriage Events
- A range of pies handmade in Melton Mowbrary from Brockleby’s Pies
- Premium hand smashed burgers and fries from The Patty Freaks
- Chinese Noodles from O&T Catering
- Handmade, additive free chutneys, jams, marmalades, ketchups and mustards (most vegan and gluten free) from Springfield Kitchen
- Scotch Bonnet Jelly, chilli sauces and seasoning from Frank & Co
- Local honey and other hive products from Monmouth Drive based Brummie Honey
For the sweet tooth:
- Churros with melted Belgian hot chocolate from The Fabulous Food Guys
- Homemade sourdough bread and treats from Boldmere’s very own Baked in Boldmere
- Luxury handmade bakes, brownies, NYC stuffed cookies, cupcakes and brownie jars from Bakes for your Soul
- Artisan Doughnuts from Project Doughnut
- Homemade tray bake cakes from Becky’s Bakes
- Gourmet chocolate brownies, flapjack, rocky road and brownie balls with vegan and gluten free options from Chocolate Treats
- Stuffed cookies topped and bursting with the most loved flavours and treats from Stuffed Bakes
- Freshly cooked hot donuts including handmade loaded donuts from the Tamworth Donut Man
- Delicious handmade chocolates from Military Chef
Drinks:
- Really Awesome Coffee Sutton Coldfield
- The Krazee Horse Bar including draft Bavarian beers, ales, draft Rattler Cornish Cider (ABV 4.8), Prosecco and cocktails
- Bottles of Wine, Prosecco, Champagne and Spirits to take away from the Classic Wine Company
- Handcrafted bottled cocktails and shots to take away as Christmas presents from Irrhysistible Drinks
- Draught craft beer, G&T, cider, mulled wine and mulled cider from The Crafty Brewer plus craft gin and cider to take away.
Plus there were over 50 Christmas market stalls and your favourite Boldmere shops.
Brought to you by:
With financial support from:
Community Grants Programme
We Need Your Help!
If you would be able to help us with the Community Festivals, in the days leading up to them, setting them up and setting them down, or during the festivals themselves, then please visit our volunteer page to complete a short application form.
We provide snacks and water to all volunteers and for those who stay at the event for longer than 5 hours we will provide a hot meal voucher too. You will receive a full volunteer information pack before the day and a briefing on the day.
