Twinkling lights, live music, ponies, donkeys and a visit from Santa Claus were among the highlights of a joyful Winter Wonderland event for families being supported by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Milton was filled with magic as its grounds were transformed with colourful seasonal decorations.
Families were greeted by the sound of choir singers performing carols as they arrived at the hospice, while other attractions included a feast of festive food, a snowball-throwing game and ‘pin the red nose on Rudolph’.
Young visitors could have their faces painted, enjoy magic and balloon modelling while also having the opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto.
Another eye-catching highlight was a laser light show, projecting festive images onto the hospice building in time with music.
“We had a fantastic time and were delighted with the way things went,” said Ceri Dobson, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at Milton.
“There were lots of positive comments, with people appreciating the different things we tried while building on the success of previous Winter Wonderlands.
“We wanted to pull out the stops and make it bigger than ever, and hopefully families enjoyed the experience and left feeling suitably festive.
“An event of this nature is all about creating moments of happiness for those receiving our care and support.
“Winter Wonderland gives children a chance to simply be children – laughing and enjoying the magic of the season in a safe, welcoming environment.”
There were plenty of photo opportunities for families, including sitting in a beautiful wooden sleigh made for last year’s Winter Wonderland by skilled volunteers Graham Shipley and Mick Housden.
This year, with assistance from Stephen Watts, the creative duo built a stunning two-dimensional train complete with carriages which children were able to illuminate by a pressing a button.
Children were also able to be photographed with volunteers dressed as superhero Captain America, Elsa, from Frozen, and comic book character Spider-Gwen.
“An event of this magnitude only happens with the help and support of so many people, including staff from across the organisation and our brilliant volunteers,” added Ceri.
“It’s such a team effort, and I’m also very grateful to members of the community who gave their time and offered their services free of charge.
“My sincere thanks go to Simon Mackinder, from Mack Productions, Make a Smile Foundation – Cambridge Chapter, Andrew Jeffrey, from Cambridge Party Heroes, and Julie Knott, Charlotte Knott, Jessica Knott, Reggie Herron, Amy Dawson and Stephanie Moss, for providing the Shetland ponies.
“Other companies that attended, offering us heavily discounted prices, were St Ives Musical Theatre Choir, Simply Wed, Georgia’s Face Paints, Harvinii the Magician and Miniature Donkeys for Wellbeing.”
Pictures: Dik Ng and Karen Self/EACH
