My Winter Wonderland: A Heartwarming Community-building afternoon in Brent
Supported by John Sisk & Son Construction, the Young Brent Foundation and One Flow One Brent, Wembley Football's My Winter Wonderland turned an ordinary winter day into a spectacular celebration for the diverse community of Brent.
The festivities were not only to celebrate and enjoy the ongoing winter season; they were to empower community bonding and collaboration. From lively activities to health advice from Brent NHS, the event aimed at satisfying everyone's needs, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees. One remarkable aspect of the event was the focus on supporting local female entrepreneurs, which added a unique flavour to the Winter Wonderland but also highlighted the community's commitment to empowering its own. A significant highlight was the diverse participation in the event, with attendees representing various ethnicities, which mirrored the vibrant diversity of Brent itself.
“It was great to see the whole community coming together and enjoying the My Winter Wonderland event, especially the children and young people who had lots of fun on all the different activities,” says Zaffar Van Kalwala, Brent councillor for Wembley Football.
The success of the event was further affirmed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback received through a survey conducted on-site. Participants, including parents, teenagers, and members of the public, collectively rated the event extraordinarily successful. The community's enthusiasm was palpable, with attendees praising the event for its engaging activities, fun rides, music, and the wonderful sense of togetherness that boosted the community.
“The event also helped celebrate Brent’s diversity and different communities,” says Van Kalwala. “It’s really important to have initiatives like My Winter Wonderland, as they have a huge positive impact on our borough,” he adds.
Unsurprisingly, the respondents expressed their belief that there should be more events like My Winter Wonderland. Such activities play a crucial role in bringing people together and engaging youth in activities to prevent anti-social criminal behaviour which is one of the main concerns about the Brent borough. This valuable input reflects the community's awareness of local challenges and a collective commitment to finding solutions.
Looking ahead, the community voiced their interest in more diverse activities, including sports, arts, and crafts, learning a musical instrument, drama/public speaking, and STEM learning. This forward-thinking approach underscores Brent's commitment to providing enriching experiences that cater to a wide range of interests.
Constructive feedback was also welcomed, with attendees suggesting ways to enhance future events. The community expressed a desire for dancers and live entertainers for kids such as hosting a storytelling for children, face painting and other activities. Some also suggested having more stalls selling local products to support Brent’s independent businesses, additional activities, or a broader range of food options. An annual recurrence of the event and extended hours are necessary.
My Winter Wonderland was an incredibly special festive gathering that showed the strength, resilience, and unity of the Brent community. As we reflect on this heartwarming event, we are reminded that through collaboration, we can build a community that thrives on inclusivity, diversity, and the shared joy of coming together.