The AIEA (Alliance of Independent Event Agencies) will bring its much-loved Christmas community event to the Victory Services Club (VSC) today, offering a festive day of joy, connection and support for families who need it most.
Running from morning to afternoon, the drop-in event will welcome families from within the VSC membership, children from two local schools, and families from a local family refuge charity.
Guests will be treated to morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, alongside a heart-warming programme of activities including Santa’s Grotto, festive stalls, and hands-on support from AIEA members. Suppliers from across the events industry have contributed by paying to host stalls and donating products and services,while more than 50 AIEA members and suppliers have volunteered to help – with so many wanting to be involved that registration had to close early.
A special highlight of the day will be a bespoke Santa’s Grotto donated and built by Nathan Angus, Managing Director of Wildfire, with Matt Weaving from Tembury stepping into the role of Santa. Several AIEA members will also be dressing as Santa’s elves to help bring the magic to life.
The event has been made possible thanks to generous support from Meetings Needs, the event industry’s charity, which has provided an incredible donation covering all lunches, as well as practical support from members of its board.
Sabine Edwards, Chair of the AIEA, said: “When we choose a venue for this event, we think first about the people we’re serving, and the Victory Services Club is a place where everyone feels genuinely welcome. This Christmas event is all about giving back – taking a little pressure off parents, bringing joy to children, and creating a day where everyone feels included. We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Meetings Needs, Nathan at Wildfire for providing Santa’s Grotto, and the huge number of suppliers and AIEA members who’ve stepped up to help to create this heartwarming family event”
Mark Field, General Manager of the Victory Services Club, said: “We are delighted to host the AIEA Christmas event and to open our doors to families, local schools and children supported by welfare charities. Community and care are at the heart of who we are as a charity, and this event embodies that spirit. The AIEA’s members and partners have shown remarkable generosity, and we’re proud to play our part in creating a safe, joyful and welcoming day for every guest.”
The event brings together support from across the events industry, the VSC’s charitable programme, local schools, and a women and children’s welfare organisation whose name is not disclosed for safety reasons.
