Stratford College Photography students lift Christmas spirit

Stratford-upon-Avon College students have helped lift the spirits of Stratford residents this Christmas in support of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Bell Court. 

The collaboration aims to encourage residents to support Stratford businesses by shopping locally, while at the same time bringing Christmas cheer to the town’s residents after a tough year.

As part of the project, Photography and Media students at the College set up a photographic shoot against the backdrop of the new Bell Court development with the key attraction being a rare Ferrari F40 and Santa with his sleigh full of ‘Shop Local’ bags and presents.

Photographer and Media lecturer, Sophie Jolly who was the driving factor behind the College’s involvement in the project, commented: “The aim is to raise Photography students’ aspirations and enhance employability skills by providing them with an opportunity to develop course skills in a real and stimulating work environment.”

The photos and videos students produced are on display to the public in a shop window in Bell Court as part of the RSC’s Advent Window Trail. The Trail has been created in partnership with local shops, community groups and independent businesses based in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

Sophie explained the benefit of the project to all involved: “This is an opportunity to recognise what’s available to us whilst spreading a bit of Christmas spirit, reassurance, positivity and normality to the people of Stratford-upon-Avon. We are hopeful that the final outcome will bring pleasure to children knowing that Santa is still busy preparing for Christmas.”

On behalf of Bell Court, Centre Manager Rich Jones said: “Partnering with the Royal Shakespeare Company and working together with Stratford College to showcase the talents of Stratford-upon-Avon’s budding students is a great way to spread some festive cheer at this time. Visitors and passers-by are all welcome to enjoy this Christmas display at Bell Court, which will be available to view throughout the month of December.”

In support of the Stratford Advent Trail, The Royal Shakespeare Company are giving one lucky winner the opportunity to get their hands on a selection of goodies including: an RSC mug, notebook and a selection of The Boy in the Dress merchandise.  To enter, simply share a photo of your favourite advent window and gingerbread hiding spot on Instagram using #StratfordAdventTrail and tagging @theRSC. The competition opened from 10am GMT on Monday 7 December 2020 (the ‘opening date’) and will close at 6pm GMT on Sunday 3 January 2021 (the ‘closing date’) inclusive. The winner will be contacted no later than Friday 8 January 2021.

Full details of the Advent Trail featuring a list of participating businesses and locations can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/advent.

Proud sponsors of the Royal Shakespeare Company Advent Window Trail

The Royal Shakespeare Company has launched a new festive ‘Advent Trail’ consisting of twenty-four unique and eye-catching window displays. The Advent Window Trail has been created in partnership with local shops, community groups and independent businesses based in Stratford-upon-Avon town centre.

We are proud to be sponsors of this festive event which began on Tuesday 1st and will run through to Thursday 24th December.

Why not take an immersive route around the town in the countdown to Christmas? With most of the window displays now live, you can enjoy the sights at your own leisure. Each window display responds in its own way to the themes of the four seasonal blessings of Joy, Health, Love and Peace. Participating businesses have all been allocated a day in December in which to reveal their festive displays and light their windows.

As well as responding to the themes of Joy, Health, Love and Peace, participating businesses will all hide a gingerbread figure in their window display, creating an interactive game for families to enjoy.

But there’s more! The Royal Shakespeare Company are giving one lucky winner the opportunity to get their hands on a selection of goodies including: an RSC mug, notebook and a selection of The Boy in the Dress merchandise.  To enter, simply share a photo of your favourite advent window and gingerbread hiding spot on Instagram using #StratfordAdventTrail and tagging @theRSC. The competition will run from 10am GMT on Monday 7 December 2020 (the ‘opening date’) to 6pm GMT on Sunday 3 January 2021 (the ‘closing date’) inclusive. The winner will be contacted no later than Friday 8 January 2021.

On behalf of Bell Court, Asset Manager Holly Woodhead said: “We are delighted to collaborate with the RSC on this Advent Trail and hope that it will bring Stratford residents and businesses together this Christmas. The walking trail will showcase the different businesses in Stratford and will be a celebration of this historic market town, as well as a celebration of the festive period. There will be a number of window displays throughout Bell Court, designed by Stratford College, Seasalt, Balou and Escape Arts. We hope this artwork will provide festive cheer to the Advent Trail participants.”

A full schedule for the Advent Trail featuring a list of participating businesses and locations can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/advent

Advent Map

Please note: Above windows marked with white stars are now available to see, whilst those indicated by purple stars will come to life on their advent date.

*featured image credit: Royal Shakespeare Company

Bell Court partners with The Royal Shakespeare Company

We are pleased to announce our corporate partnership with The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

The RSC creates theatre at its best, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world. Situated on Waterside, alongside the River Avon, the theatres have long been a pillar of the arts and culture scene in Stratford. The RSCt is world-renowned with international and national tourists, together with the local Stratford community, and is an exceptional cultural asset of the country.

This one-year partnership will involve Bell Court and RSC working together on a series of exciting events and represents our commitment to support this hugely significant landmark within the local Stratford community – particularly during these difficult times.

Welcoming you back this December

We’re pleased to be open and welcoming you back on Wednesday 2nd December.

As we approach the end of the year, we are anticipating that the month of December will be a busy time for us, and so we encourage shoppers to please be mindful of this when planning your visit during this festive period.

With Stratford-Upon-Avon within Tier 3, in keeping with Government guidelines, as of December 2nd restaurants and cafes in Bell Court are able to offer takeaway and delivery services only. Please see below for a full list of updates from our eateries as of Wednesday 2nd December.

  • All Bar One – closed until further notice
  • Ask Italian – takeaway and delivery
  • Bardia’s – takeaway only
  • Kung Fu Oriental – takeaway & delivery only
  • Miller & Carter – closed until further notice
  • MOR Bakery – takeaway only
  • Nando’s – takeaway & delivery only
  • The Burger Priest – takeaway, delivery and call & collect only
  • Veeno – closed until further notice

As always, please do check individual shops for opening times and deals. And be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the know.

Shoppers rejoice! Thousands of people come to Bell Court every year to shop, and enjoy. If you’re on the lookout for the perfect winter wardrobe, a fun experience for the kids or maybe even a pamper treatment – we’ve compiled a list to update you on our retail stores, beauty salons and leisure spots from 2nd December.

  • Bad Apple Hair Salon – open
  • Balou – open
  • Black Sheep Barbers – open
  • Everyman Cinema – currently closed. Further details to be shared later this month
  • Gemini Woman – open
  • Magic Alley – open
  • Pop Up Clothing Co – open
  • Sister Sister collective – open
  • Seasalt Cornwall – open
  • The Brow Studio – open
  • The Nail Dressers – open
  • Victoria Lou Bridal – open by appointment only
  • White Light Gallery – open Sat & Sun and by appointment only for the rest of the week

Please note, as of 2nd December – the opening times for the toilets have also been extended to 10am – 6pm.

The health and safety of our visitors and colleagues remains our priority. Our range of safety measures are still firmly in place to help you shop safe this festive season. Please ensure you adhere to all guidelines when you visit.

We can’t wait to welcome you all back. Wishing you a healthy and happy December and thank you in advance for spending a part of it with us, whether it’s to shop, eat or enjoy.