Community-focused five-star housebuilder Countryside Homes is working with Waltham Forest Council to bring free festive fun to Walthamstow this winter. The Wood Street Wonderland event will take place on 29th November 2024, bringing together the local community with a range of family-friendly activities, entertainment, market stalls, food, drink and more.
Countryside has been working with Waltham Forest Council for the past eight years, building homes for Londoners designed to suit local needs and budgets. A cornerstone of local community regeneration, Countryside is now sponsoring the council’s Wood Street Wonderland.
The event will begin at 4 pm on 29th November, with Our Lady and St George’s Primary Choir performing at 4.30 pm and the excitement of the Christmas tree lights switch-on at 5 pm. Local suppliers Blend and Roast, Walthamstow Dogs and Wood Street Bakery will be providing a selection of tasty treats, including mulled wine to ward off the winter chill.
Family-focused entertainment at Wood Street Wonderland will include seasonal games, an inclusive festive sensory space from The Together Space (SEND friendly), a Christmas decorations workshop and Santa’s grotto. The events are all free, supporting local families to enjoy some festive fun without having to dip into their Christmas budgets.
For Christmas shoppers, Lee’s Spiritual Healing and Tokens and Treats will be showcasing their wares, while local artist Lucy Harrison will be hosting an engagement stall for her ‘Breaking Bread’ art project. Adults wanting to carry on the festivities can head to Wood Street Bear after the Wonderland closes at 7.30 pm, where DJ Johnny P will be spinning a selection of disco, house, hip-hop and soul tunes until late.
Stacey Mitchell, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Countryside Homes comments: “We are delighted to be bringing festive joy to the local community in partnership with Waltham Forest Council. The diverse and inclusive nature of the Wood Street Wonderland event will support all those who attend to get into the Christmas spirit. Working with local communities is at the core of the Countryside team’s approach, so we are thrilled to be putting this value into practice by delivering a sprinkling of festive fun in Walthamstow.”
Cllr Vicky Ashworth, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities said, ”I am thrilled that the local community are able to come together to enjoy this magical wonderland event in Wood Street.
”It’s heartwarming to know that families can create cherished memories this season without having to worry or stress about the cost and financial strain. We know that residents appreciate free events that they can access on their doorsteps, especially during the difficult times we are facing.
”By Countryside sponsoring the Wood Street Wonderland, more families will benefit from our biggest festive event in Wood Street yet. Events such as this remind us of the power of partnerships, helping the Council build a stronger and happier community for everyone.”
The long-term nature of the partnership between Countryside Homes and Waltham Forest Council has presented those living in the area with an outstanding selection of homes. Currently, homes are available in Walthamstow at both Hepworth Place and Feature 17, with the diverse properties meeting varying buyer needs.
Hepworth Place is a collection of 433 new homes, over 45 of them wheelchair accessible, in six acres of landscaped parkland surrounding the iconic Walthamstow Town Hall clock tower and beautiful Fellowship Square fountain. The stylish homes range from one to three bedrooms, ensuring families can find the space they need at the right price, with 50% of the properties designated ‘affordable’ to support local buyers. Every one of the energy efficient homes comes with a high specification interior, integrated appliances and luxury flooring.
This commitment to contemporary, high-specification interiors is echoed at Feature 17, located just a three-minute walk from Wood Street Station. 30-year-old Jay Singh-Chapar was delighted by the quality of the development when he bought his first home there, commenting:
“I was blown away. Feature 17 has a super modern design. The aesthetics are lovely, and I needed to do very little to the apartment by way of decoration. I was also impressed that the apartment included so much – it came with a dishwasher, washer/dryer and fridge/freezer, so I didn’t have to find a whole heap more money for those when I moved in. I had looked at other new builds and they didn’t include everything within the asking price.”
Feature 17 includes a welcoming plaza, pockets of greenspace and a multi-use games area, with homes offering one or two bedrooms.
Prices at Hepworth Place and Feature 17 start from £375,000.