On Friday 6th December, we brought together a full house of stakeholders, including The Crown Estate, Shaftesbury, Gascoyne Estates, Westminster City Council, the Heart of London Business Alliance, and The Soho Society, as well as other key partners and members of the Soho community. Together, we celebrated community strength, unity, and a shared commitment to preserving the unique heritage of Soho and the wider West End.

As long-term custodians of the West End, Criterion Capital is deeply invested in protecting its rich heritage, preserving its character, and ensuring its enduring vitality. The West End is not just a commercial hub – it’s a vibrant cultural cornerstone of London, and events like these reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding its future while nurturing its strong sense of community.

At the heart of the evening was our partnership with Soho Parish CE Primary School – a cherished institution and Soho’s last remaining school. Established in 1699, this vital cornerstone of the community faces challenges posed by a significant decline in primary-aged children across London. This celebration served as an opportunity to raise awareness and support for the school, ensuring it continues to provide its unique and vibrant education for generations to come.

The children of Soho Parish Primary School filled the evening with heartwarming joy through their performances. Their renditions of “Little Donkey” and “We Saw Three Ships” filled the church with festive cheer. A particularly touching moment came from a Year 5 pupil, who spoke about the true magic of Christmas, reminding us all of the deeper meaning of the season.

Adding to the celebration was a theatrical performance titled “A Community Christmas”, written especially for the event by Saskia Jiggens. A group of talented children, dressed as festive characters from nutcrackers to snowmen, delivered the piece with enthusiasm and charm, embodying the spirit of community and togetherness.

The evening was further enriched by moving speeches and readings from distinguished guests:
•     The Revd Simon Buckley: Rector of St Anne’s, who warmly welcomed everyone and shared insights into the church’s storied past and its multifaith history, emphasising its role as a symbol of resilience in the West End.
•     Rachel Blake MP: Member of Parliament for Cities of London and Westminster, who spoke about her own Christmas traditions before reading “Love Came Down at Christmas” by Christina Rossetti.
•     Rahima Aziz BEM: Trustee at The Aziz Foundation, who reflected on the importance of charity and giving during the festive season, reading “The Alchemy of Love” by Rumi.
•     Alix Ascough: Executive Headteacher of Soho Parish CE Primary School, who emphasised the school’s vital role in the community and the need for collective support to ensure its future.
•     Cllr Patricia McAllister: Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster, who shared a message of hope and light during the Christmas season, reading “The Hope of Christmas” by Krista Besselman.
•     Omar Aziz: Representing Criterion Capital, who spoke about our role as stewards of the West End and the importance of preserving our shared heritage while working collaboratively to support schools and local communities. He concluded with a reading of “The Bridge Builder” by Will Allen Dromgoole.

Together, we joined in a stirring rendition of “When I Needed A Neighbour”, a powerful reminder of our collective strength and unity.

The evening closed with a chance to connect over festive canapés, drinks, and live music performed by Amy Williams (vocalist) and Samuel Woolf (pianist). As the music played, we reflected on the importance of events like these, which embody the community spirit and the enduring mission of Criterion Capital and The Aziz Foundation: to create meaningful, lasting impact across the West End and beyond.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this evening a truly memorable celebration. Your presence and support help us ensure that the heart of Soho continues to thrive for generations to come.

Please scroll down to view photos from the event.