Sunday's event celebrated the regeneration of the thoroughfare and its “recovery from the dark days of the pandemic”. The scheme included new trees, benches, and wider paving, to create what organisers called "a fine example of a community and retail hub". There was also a fashion show modelling clothes from shops in the High Street (Image: Brandon&Audra) Shops, cafes and restaurants offered discounts, special tastings, and demonstrations to a background of live music including a jazz trio from the Regent’s Park Music Festival.
The High Street was closed to vehicles and transformed into a fashion runway - with retailers joining forces to put on a community fashion show. Bringing a new definition to ‘Street Style’, Anna Calka-Fenton, store manager of Reiss, introduced models to the red carpet to show off local clothes shops and hairdressers. Peppa Pig made an appearance alongside the Mayor of Westminster (Image: Brandon&Audra) As the models departed it was the turn of the pampered pets to take part in a Pooch Parade to showcase local pet shop and groomers, St John’s Pets, and introduce new veterinary practice, Creature Comforts.
Children’s activities included a scavenger hunt, cake decorating, tile painting, dance classes and sports fun courtesy of Lord’s cricket ground with Peppa Pig even making an appearance alongside Westminster Lord Mayor Robert Rigby. The event raised funds for St John’s Hospice, a charity which provides free care for more than 4,000 peo.
