Local business promotion story

By Yixiang Zeng

A business forum was bringing community together through fantatic food and cheerful music yesterday afternoon on Edgware high street.

More than one hundred local residents turned out on the Station Road to celebrate the Music and Food Festival organised by the newly-formed Edgware Business Forum, which aims to promote local businesses.

The event started with a carol concert by the Edgware School children in front of the St Margaret's Church on the Station Road, and then followed by a range of musical groups in different venues along the high street with the offer of free food and drinks provided by the local restaurants.



Forum vice-chairman Peter Dresner, of Peter Adams Furniture shop, said: “The idea is trying to really weaken the awareness of what Edgware is to offer. So during event like this, we offer different things in different places on the road, people will be aware what actually is being offered here.

“People have intended to go to the major malls while they're parking there. It's disappointing we have shops within Edgware that people don't know, and we encourage people realise these shops on the high street.

“It's really great we have children and families coming and enjoy the food and the music, and bring the community together”

Among the cheering crowd enjoyed yesterday's event was Maddy Cordell, a resident from Park Grove in Edgware.



She told The HA1: “In recent times, it seemd to be more events going on like this, it was really great to bring all of these people together and it was a shame for those who didn't join in. Event like this will improve our community spirit.”

The Edgware Safer Neighbourhoods police team also helped organise the event, with Sergeant Dan Reid dressed as Father Christmas and even handed out posters prior to the event.

He said: “We are here to support our local businesses within the community and encourage people to shopping on the station road.

“The event reduces anti-social behaviours and gives youngsters opportunity to perform. It gets people working together to make this area a better place.”