Join us at Courage Yard on Saturday 29th November for a festive day of shopping, music, and community spirit. From 11am to 4pm, a mini festive market will bring together a selection of independent traders offering artisan teas, handcrafted wreaths, and other unique gifts – perfect for getting a head start on your Christmas shopping. Have a browse in-store at Max + Betty as they launch their Christmas gift range, or warm your hands on a delicious hot drinks!
The highlight of the day will be a performance by Semi-Toned, an award-winning a cappella group who will perform a lively mix of pop hits and festive favourites. Having met at Exeter University, the group went on to win The Choir on BBC One and reached the finals of Sing on Sky 1. Their performance, at 2:30pm, promises to be both humorous and uplifting – not to be missed!
The event is free to attend, but we’ll be collecting donations for the Albert Kennedy Trust (akt), a charity that provides housing support for LGBTQIA+ young people facing homelessness or unsafe living conditions. Around 24% of young homeless people aged 16–25 identify as LGBTQIA+, and akt’s work is vital in offering them safety and support.
This event came together as a result of collaboration between Courage Yard residents and businesses.
Organiser Sarah Farrow says “As a Shad Thames resident, working with Britt from Max + Betty and the team at Courage Yard has been a great way to get to know my neighbours. I love Shad Thames and to work with our much valued local businesses in support of akt is a privilege. Plus I am a huge Semi-Toned fan!”
Britt, owner of Max + Betty, says “This holiday season, Max + Betty will be opening our patio – and our hearts – for an evening of song and community with Semi-Toned. As a new small business, we’re especially proud to host our very first charity event in support of akt. As an LGBTQIA+ owned shop, this cause is deeply personal to us, and we’re honoured to give back to an organisation that helps young people find hope and homes.”
We can’t wait to welcome you to the heart of Shad Thames for our festive celebrations!
