Brent’s Small Business Saturday provided a boost for Harlesden town centre’s sma businesses.
On the day there were performances from Mahogany Carnival Masqueraders, V2V Gospel Choir, St Michaels and All Angels Steel Orchestra and African Drumming. It also saw the unveiling of a Windrush dedicated public mural located at the corner of Tavistock Road and the main highlight of the day – Christmas lights and Festive Tree switch on, hosted by Harlesden Festive Lights Cooperative.
A special retail “Fashion and Bubbles” event was also held later in the evening as Harlesden soft-launched its all new #PlasticFreeHarlesden Campaign encouraging visitors to shop locally in an environmentally friendly way.
Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Highways & Planning, said: “This day was a huge successes. It was great to see so many residents supporting their local high streets. The entertainment and buzz around Harlesden was brilliant to see. I’m happy that these businesses came together to support it and offer some really fantastic discounts for residents.”
Dulcie Joseph, Chair of Harlesden Businesses Association, thanked everyone, especially main sponsor Tropical Sun for their generous support and on mentioning the plaque said: “The statement in that plaque is powerful as it is the history of those came from across the Commonwealth in answer to Britain’s cry for help to rebuild a war-torn country’
Leroy Simpson, Co- Chair of Harlesden Festive Lights Committee comments: “I want to thank all who attended the “Big Switch On” and made it a positive event that sent out the message “We Love Where We Live 24/7”
Harlesden is home to this year’s Small Business Saturday winners: Tamariz Deli, who won Friendliest Business, Rubio, for Best business interior; Mahogany Carnival Masqueraders, who scooped Best celebration of culture and heritage and Harlesden Business Association, who won the Best local event or festival award category.
