Monday evening saw the installation of Bedminster’s newest Christmas decoration as the “Bemmy Bauble" was hoisted into position over the Stafford Yard development in Bedminster Green, Bristol. This initiative marks just one of the many ways in which Dandara Living is committed to investing in Bristol and supporting the local community.

The Bemmy Bauble event was the culmination of months of meticulous planning and teamwork. As a sponsor of this year's Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade, Dandara Living's involvement was crucial in bringing this lantern-themed festive cheer to the area. Our Stafford Yard team, always keen to engage with the community, played a significant role in this endeavour.

Working alongside Adele Lippiatt of Bristol Art Junkie, a well-known local creative with whom Dandara Living has collaborated with in the past, children from six local primary schools were invited to decorate individual lanterns. These were then assembled into a specially manufactured, star-shaped steel frame, symbolising the collective spirit of the community.

The bauble's decoration turned into a mini celebration at our site, where Dandara Living staff, parents, BWL volunteers and more, gathered to enjoy festive nibbles and a mug or two of alcohol-free mulled wine.

Despite a delay due to high winds, the star's lifting was a moment of shared accomplishment for all involved in its preparation. Residents were encouraged to #lookup as the lanterns were lit, and the star lifted into place above Stafford Yard.

Commenting on the initiative, Malcolm Brammar at Bedminster Winter Lanterns said: “With the Parade taking a break this winter we wanted to find a way for local schools still to be involved in bringing light and colour into the neighbourhood during the dark hours. That’s how the Bemmy Bauble idea came about.”

Speaking about the initiative, Senior Development Manager, Zoe Sharpe said: “Over the years the Winter Lantern Parade has become a much-loved feature of the local community calendar, so we were very pleased to offer our assistance in helping the organisers with a mini parade in the form of the Bemmy Bauble.

As we look forward to future initiatives, Dandara Living remains dedicated to fostering community spirit and contributing positively to the cultural fabric of Bristol.