CHRISTMAS has arrived in Hamlet Court Road as stalls, live music and late-night shopping marked the return of its festive lights after five years.

Dozens of residents turned out to enjoy the festive atmosphere as the road's 28 streetlights were wrapped in bright Christmas lights on Friday, with shops operating extended hours and performances from choirs and musicians. 

Hamlet Court Calling, a Westcliff community group, organised the Festive Friday event following a lengthy fundraising effort, and are still appealing for donations to help cover their costs.

Performers such as Saida Bee and Valkyrie were on hand for musical entertainmentPerformers such as Saida Bee and Valkyrie were on hand for musical entertainment (Image: George Pizani)

Andy Atkinson, Milton Society chair and member of Hamlet Court Calling, said: “We’re still appealing as we have the last instalment left to pay on the lights, but this evening’s made it all feel well worth it.

“It’s about doing something that benefits both businesses and residents and it has been great to see the road busy and bustling.”

Traders along Hamlet Court Road opened late and put on special entertainment for residents and customers, with Elf on the Shelf, fake snow and arts and crafts thrilling youngsters.

Two of those taking advantage of the increased footfall were owners of Be My Guest, Aleksandra Szkurłat and her husband Krzysztof Szkurłat. They opened their café last week and were offering passers-by a taste of BBQ Polish sausage.

“It’s been a really great experience to have something like this happen after we’ve moved in,” said Aleksandra.

“I can feel a sense of community and it’s nice to be out here meeting residents.” 

Aleksandra Szkurłat and her husband Krzysztof Szkurłat took advantage of the increased footfallAleksandra Szkurłat and her husband Krzysztof Szkurłat took advantage of the increased footfall (Image: George Pizani) Hamlet Court Calling was also able to secure the return of the lights thanks to a company supplying them and several larger private donations which allowed them to fund the celebrations.

The street is one of the city’s most historic and architecturally significant, serving as a fashionable retail area in the late 19th century.

It was designated a Conservation Area in 2021, meaning many of it’s historic buildings are now protected from development.

Hamlet Court Road's Christmas lights will be up until early January. To help organisers cover the costs, donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Light-Up-Hamlet-Court-Road.