Festive Friends

Connecting our community

Festive Friends began in 2017, as our attempt to help connect older, more isolated members of our community together and reduce feelings of loneliness. The event provides 100 older people with a 3 course, sit-down Christmas dinner, entertainment, gifts and accessible transport to and from their homes. We are often joined by Avon Fire & Rescue, the Police and the Lord Mayor of Bristol.

When the pandemic hit, we knew that this type of event was never more needed. So Festive Friends evolved and took to the streets of Bristol. With a fantastic team of volunteers and a whole lot of hard work. The team delivered over 100 meals to older individuals in Ashley, Easton and Lawrence Hill to brighten their 2020 Christmas.

The doorstep chats and delicious food were such a hit, Springtime Festive Friends was born. In March 2021 over 100 meals, were delivered with a side of company to many isolated individuals in the local area.

Festive Friends has evolved even further, and in August 2021 we proudly held Summer Festive Friends Afternoon Tea at the Community Centre. This was closely followed by a Christmas Lunch event in December 2021 when we reunited some of the most isolated older people in the community. They were entertained by Golden Oldies Charity singalong and were joined by the Lord Mayor of Bristol. In May 2022 we held a free Afternoon Tea event ahead of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

We are extremely grateful to the generous support of the current Festive Friends event sponsors John James Bristol Foundation, St Monica Trust and Beesting Digital.