Christmas at Bents has been kept strictly under wraps for the past seven weeks, but at 10am on Wednesday (October 12) the wait was over and this year’s themed displays were unveiled.
Once again, the team from Bents have worked their magic to create a festive wonderland, ready to be discovered. For the first time since the pandemic, the opening event returned to the real look tree forest where Fat Cat Brass, a brass band with a difference, brought a modern twist to the festive favourites, marking the start of Christmas at Bents with a burst of sound and celebration.
The Christmas opening is just one of this year’s celebrations as the family owned and run Centre is also marking its 85th anniversary; 85 years since Alfred and Margaret Bent started growing roses from the front garden of their terraced house located just metre’s away from the current location.
Said Matthew Bent, Managing Director: “Christmas has been a part of our family business for as long as I can remember and this year it is even more special for us as we are celebrating our 85th anniversary. We’ve come a long way since my grandparents started to grow and sell their roses, creating a destination that is full of inspiration and never more so than at Christmas time.
“Once again the team has worked tirelessly to put together what we believe is another fantastic display so a big thank you to everyone involved. We hope Destination Bents will be one to remember this Christmas!”
Bents 2022 centrepiece is Candy Cane Lane - a sweet treat of candy canes, cupcakes and gingerbread men filling the shelves of a traditional sweet shop setting - is just one of many show-stoppers, which are full of inspiration and ready to be re-created at home.
In addition to the many displays, which also include themes such as Floral Fancy and Country Retreat is this year’s showstopping Lemax display. Life in miniature is displayed on the Centre’s very own Bents’ Express, a steam train emerging from a tunnel, all expertly designed and built by Bents’ in house joiner, Aaron Davies.
There’s lots to see and do at Bents in the run up to the festive period, including Father Christmas’s official arrival on Thursday 10th November at 4pm, Little Face of Christmas photo competition and Bents’ popular Winter Food Market which opens on Wednesday 19th October.
On Thursday 1st December, The Fresh Approach Restaurant will host Carols by Candlelight and Father Christmas will be hosting a number of different party options for families, tiny tots and four legged friends. Further information on all festive events can be found at bents.co.uk
