The niche village featuring some 70 shops, galleries, restaurants and cafes, is set to have fifteen stalls, such as Flour Station, Maria Spector jewelery, Palanquin gift soaps and herbal pillows, which will be located in Porchester Place and Kendal Street. There will also be free carousel rides, face painting and balloons. Santa's Grotto and the Craft Workshop (where youngsters can make special presents) will again be free of charge.
Streets in the area will be closed especially for the evening that will see the Christmas lights on Connaught Street, Kendal Street and Porchester Place switched on at 5 p.m.
Activities will commence at 4 p.m. with a choir procession comprising children from a number of local schools assembling at St. John's, Hyde Park church and then parading through Connaught Village.
A number of shops and restaurants will be marking the evening with special events, exhibitions and tastings including the Duke of Kendal Pub, which will offer special Connaught Village Christmas Ale.
This year's focal charity for the event will be The Friends of St. Mary’s Hospital, W2, a charity founded more than 100 years ago which supports the patients and staff at the hospital in nearby Paddington.
"This promises to be a great night for families and those who enjoy shopping, eating and traditional festivities," says Robert Lines of the Church Commissioners for England, the landlords for Connaught Village. "We have more activities and lights planned for this year's event and it remains one of the only free grottos in London."
Timing of Events
- 4pm – Children and families assemble at St. John's, Hyde Park Church for singing, drinks and biscuits. Free Rides, Christmas Grotto and other activities commence.
- 4.45pm – Choir procession departs for Connaught Village (150m away)
- 5pm – Crowd countdown and lights switch on by special guest.
- 8pm – Closing.
