Publication Date: 17-12-2024 09:00
Bellway hosts pop-up carol service at Ebbsfleet Cross at Garden City
A local housebuilder hosted a pop-up carol service to spread some Christmas cheer at its development in Ebbsfleet.
Bellway Thames Gateway invited Ebbsfleet Baptist Church to bring its pop-up community event to Ebbsfleet Cross at Garden City, where it is building a collection of new homes.
Residents and staff gathered as the 28-minute service was relayed by video on a van with a giant LED screen on both sides at about 4pm on Sunday 15 December.
The video show included Christmas carols sung by pupils from Rosherville C of E Primary School in Northfleet, Ebbsfleet Green Primary School and Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard. The film also featured a nativity story presented by children from Ebbsfleet Baptist Church.
Residents and staff who gathered for the show, which took place on the green opposite the sales centre off Tiltman Avenue, were joined by Ebbsfleet Voices – a local community choir.
The show also entertained people at three other venues in Ebbsfleet – the Cable Wharf development in Geneive Road, Ebbsfleet Green Primary School plaza and Castle Hill Community Square.
The Reverend Penny Marsh, minister at Ebbsfleet Baptist Church, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Bellway Thames Gateway for allowing us to bring the van along and spread some Christmas cheer with our pop-up community event. We got a great reception at their development and everyone had a good time.
“The idea behind this show is to get on the road and take some Christmas entertainment to the people in the local area. We went to four different venues in Ebbsfleet to let everyone at various points in the locality know that we are all part of the same community and we are thinking of them at this time of year.”
James Pitt, Sales Manager at Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “When the Rev Marsh approached us to ask if the church could bring their pop-up carol service along to our development at Ebbsfleet Cross at Garden City we were thrilled to host them.
“The show from the van with the LED screens was very impressive and it was lovely to see and hear pupils from three local schools singing Christmas carols. The presence of the Ebbsfleet Voices added to the sense of occasion as they led the way and encouraged people to sing along with them and the show.
“This is a very special time of the year when people think not only about family and friends but also about reaching out to others to spread seasonal goodwill. This fabulous pop-up carol service brought neighbours together to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.”
Bellway is building 232 homes, including a range of apartments and houses, at Ebbsfleet Cross at Garden City.
For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/ebbsfleet-cross-at-garden-city or 01987 208491.
