Janine GriffithsFamilies from across East Leeds packed into the Compton Centre in Harehills on Saturday November 29 for a winter festival that transformed the venue into a lively hub of stalls, activities and festive characters despite steady rainfall outside.
Visitors were met with glitter tattoos, free crafts, winter story sessions and gifts from Santa, while a giant squirrel and penguin roamed the venue to the delight of children and parents.
The bad weather did little to dampen spirits, with local residents filling the centre throughout the day.
Market organiser Natasha Grant said the event was all about creating space for local makers at the busiest time of the year. “It’s nice to get different makers locally together as part of Christmas so it’s not just the same people,” she said. “I think it’s about being able to support people from the local community and facilitate a space for them to sell their products, especially during the busy Christmas period.”
Grant, who runs Headingley Central Makers Market and supports several other community markets, said she pulls events together by reaching out to local creators.
She described the festival as a moment of shared celebration: “It’s a celebration of the festive period. So it’s about bringing people together. It doesn’t matter about your culture and your belief system. It’s all part of the winter welcome. So it’s just togetherness, community, and celebrating the festivities.”
Among the vendors was Edwina Thomas, who runs a stall called Art of the Covenant. She said events like this play a vital role in strengthening community bonds. “I do believe coming together as a community is a positive thing,” she said. “It’s a great, really good venture to have winter market events and fairs, because it reduces isolation and encourages the young and old to come together and enjoy the event.”
She said the day had exceeded expectations. “Oh, I think it’s been brilliant. Today. There’s lots of lovely children. They’re all well behaved. We’ve had some people in beautiful costumes, and they’ve really ignited and made this event really fun, loving, and everybody’s getting on with everybody.”
Local resident Maurine Samuels echoed her sentiments. She attended with her two children and said the day had offered something special.
“It’s been a great day out for the kids. The kids have really enjoyed the event, it’s been lots of fun and there’s loads to do,” she said. “Events like this are good for the community and it’s something nice the kids can look forward to. Staff have been great too, they really got into the Christmas spirit!”
