Date published: 18 December 2023 by Katie Inglis
LONDON 14th December 2023: Geri Halliwell Horner; singer, New York Times best-selling author, producer and actress, hosted a special Christmas workshop for children and families supported by Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supports families caring for a seriously ill child, at renowned historic shopping destination Burlington Arcade, situated in Mayfair, London.
Recognised for her unwavering dedication to charitable causes, Geri’s involvement in the event underscores the importance of providing support and solace to families and children in need, particularly during the festive season. She is a Goodwill ambassador for the UN, an ambassador for The Princes Trust, a patron of Breast Cancer Care, an outspoken supporter of animals and an ambassador of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
Four families supported by Rainbow Trust’s London and South East Care team were thrilled to be Geri’s special guests.
The afternoon began in Burlington Arcade’s Christmas Grotto, where Geri read an extract of her new book “Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen”; a fast-paced adventure on a hidden island filled with family secrets, shocking betrayals and girl power.
Burlington Arcade had a Baby Grand Piano positioned in the middle of the 196-yard walk way and had invited neoclassical pianist Camden Bonsu-Stewart, also known as Camdenmusique back to the Arcade to serenade visitors with festive cheer as they did their Christmas shopping.
Geri joined Camden for an uplifting musical interlude that was then followed by a decorative icing class with British biscuit specialists Biscuiteers.
The young guests were guided through the techniques, tips and tricks used by the Biscuiteers brand’s ‘expert icers’, focussing on the decoration of four festive styles of biscuit: a Christmas tree, Snowman, Present and a Jolly Ginger.
Geri Halliwell Horner said:
“It was a pleasure to join the families at Burlington Arcade’s Christmas Grotto for an incredibly special event, and see first-hand how important the support of Rainbow Trust is, not just at Christmas, but all year round.”
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity has nine Care Teams of Family Support Workers across England including: Essex, Southampton, the South West, London & the South East, Greater Manchester, the Kentown Support Team in Lancaster, the North East, Reading and Liverpool, providing practical and emotional support for families caring for a seriously ill child at home, at hospital and in the community.
Zillah Bingley, Chief Executive of Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, said:
“We are tremendously grateful to Geri Halliwell Horner for inviting children and their families to the beautiful Burlington Arcade Christmas Grotto. The children were delighted to hear Geri read Rosie Frost and the Falcon Queen. Geri’s protagonist Rosie finds the courage she never knew she had and her audience - families supported by Rainbow Trust – can face extremely challenging situations everyday.
“Our sincere thanks to Geri, Burlington Arcade, Biscuiteers and Camdenmusique for this perfect prelude to Christmas: it really was an extra special treat for the families.”
Trupti Shah, Commercial Director, Burlington Arcade, added:
“Burlington Arcade is incredibly excited to welcome Geri Halliwell and Rainbow Trust charity. This is a remarkable charity and we are delighted to host the children and their parents in our Christmas Grotto.”
The Burlington Arcade Christmas Grotto provided the perfect backdrop for the experience. The façade of the Grotto has been hand painted by Aga Skiba who creates eye catching installations referencing three inspirations consistent with the magic of Burlington Arcade; the beauty of nature, childhood memories and memorable travel experiences. It is nestled amongst Burlington Arcade’s festive decorations, designed by Jane Wadham. Inspired by a classic Christmas and nature, the entire length of the arcade is dressed with fresh pine
trees, wreaths and twinkling lights. Visitors are welcomed at either entrance with the natural aroma of pine, fresh cinnamon sticks, dried citrus and pinecones, providing a charming sensory experience.
For further information visit: www.burlingtonarcade.com
