News / Christmas
Carol singing at an unexpected setting
An unusual but atmospheric setting in Bristol has been enlivened by the east Bristol community with some festive tunes and chats.
Lawrence Hill underpass, a well-used space beneath the busy roundabout in Easton, has been prone to flooding in the past.
This December, it functioned as a pop-up amphitheatre thronging with festivities, including a cello-playing, mince pie-munching and carol-singing.
The underpass was brought to life by Eastside Community Trust – photo by Betty Woolerton
Just metres away from the roaring engines emanating from the surrounding ring road, the underpass was transformed into oasis of calm and merriment.
Bellies full of hot chocolate and hands clutching lyrics, families and friends gathered together in the underpass and sang festive favourites, the most raucous including The Twelve Days of Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Against the backdrop of Easton’s high-rise flats, the street lamp’s yellow glow only added to warm-spirited December evening.
The event was organised by Eastside Community Trust, a pioneering trust based in Easton and Lawrence Hill that aims to make East Central Bristol ‘a place of possibility for everyone’.
Stacy Yelland, chief executive of the trust, said the evening was about bringing communities together and creating opportunities for residents of the area to to meet their neighbours.
On why the Lawrence Hill underpass was chosen as a venue, she said: “In the past the area has been a bit unloved and we just wanted to bring some light and cheer to this space.”
The jolly evening was attended by dozens of people and Eastside Community Trust said it “was wonderful to see so many people come and join us in a safe way.”
Main photo by Betty Woolerton
Read more: The strange beauty of Bristol’s underpasses
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