Rose Hill residents are set for a multicultural celebration around their own community Christmas tree this year, starting this weekend.

The idea was the brainchild of two Rose Hill Children’s Centre workers, Nassira Jmil and Hafsa Akkas, who were keen to have a big community event on the estate.

Hafsa said: “Although Muslims do not celebrate Christmas in the traditional Christian way, we do recognise and enjoy the festivities and see it as a time for people of all cultures to come together with family and friends to celebrate, socialise and have fun.”

They asked for help from Fran Gardner, Citizens Housing Association (OCHA) community worker. She said: “I was quite taken aback when Hafsa and Nassira asked me to help arrange a big community Christmas event. I had never discussed Christmas with them before, thinking that it was not a festival that they would want to celebrate. That is far from the truth — as you will see when we turn on the Christmas tree lights and the music, dancing and fun begins!”

The event will also mark the launch of OCHA’s five-year, Lottery-funded, community programme; the first of the Lottery ‘Cultural Food Events’ will be staged at the Christmas lights celebration. Residents will be able to try out celebration food from a dozen different countries — as well as traditional mince pies and fruit cake. Food is being supplied by many of Rose Hill’s community groups, as well as offerings from Rose Hill Primary School and students from Oxford Brookes University. Business support for the event has come from local business DW Contractors, as well as the energy company Scottish and Southern Electric who are lighting the tree. Santa and his Elves will be handing out presents to the children. “It promises to be a fun-filled occasion for everyone,” said Fran.

The Christmas tree will be sited on The Oval and will be the focus of a festive community get-together with an official lights switch-on, carols, music and a food festival on Saturday, December 10, at 5pm. Visit www.ocha.org.uk.