Farnborough International brought together hundreds of lonely, vulnerable and elderly people from the local Farnborough and Aldershot areas to kick off December festivities and celebrate Christmas early.
Aimed to sprinkle some seasonal cheer to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their family or friends, guests were treated to an afternoon of festive fun and food, including a two-course lunch, entertainment from St Mark’s Primary School choir, bingo and an advent prize draw.
The event, which took place 6 December 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, was held in partnership with Mash Media’s One Day At Christmas initiative, which saw eight, national event spaces across the UK simultaneously host community Christmas parties. Community groups and organisations in attendance for the day included: Rushmoor Voluntary Service, MHA Communities Hants North, Surrey Heath Age Concern, CAMEO, Community Grub Hub, SUGS, The Vine Centre, Mike Jackson House, Wellbeing Centre (MIND), Hope Hub, Centenary Lodge (Stoll), The Healing Hub, U3A, Eggars Court, Cooper Court, The Ferns and Apex Prime Care.
Alex Baker MP for Aldershot and Farnborough and the Mayor of Rushmoor Councillor Mara Makunura opened the festivities and Team GB Olympian Iwan Thomas MBE joined the team of volunteers serving Christmas dinner. Discussing the event, Alex Baker MP, said: “It was a joy to welcome everyone to Farnborough International for One Day at Christmas – a charity event organised by the UK events industry. Thank you to all the partners who helped, provide a festive experience for the most lonely and vulnerable in our communities.”
Sarah Marshall, Venue Director at Farnborough International, added: “We are thrilled that we have been able to host this valuable community event at the venue for the second year, with the support of our volunteers, partners and supporters. Our local community is incredibly important to us at Farnborough International, and to bring some festive spirit to those who need it most is a real privilege.”
Farnborough International collaborated with its key suppliers, partners and volunteers, alongside its own team, to make the event a success, including the venue’s Official Caterer Amadeus, MB Medical Solutions, RJA (UK) Ltd, CSP Ltd, RME Services, Encore, Stadium Support Services, Impression Graphics & Installations Ltd, Tecna UK, alongside volunteers from ADS Group Ltd, Easyfairs UK, Raccoon Media Group, Whitespace Group, Reset Connect, Ops Squad Ltd, Handle Recruitment, and Revive Marketing & PR.
