Beatrice Groth samples the Christmas atmosphere outside Stratford’s Westfield Shopping Centre.
The area outside Stratford Station teems with shoppers, and buskers. While members of The Redeemed Christian Church sing joyful songs, dancers from The Big Clash live gameshow team promote their brand to the people weighed down with bags on their way to and from the Westfield Shopping complex.
Some of the people I talk to are overwhelmed with the joy of Christmas. Others are far away from real home, and either missing their families or “waiting for a better life.” And amongst the music and celebrations some people have sadder stories to tell, of bereavement and loss.
All of life passes through here. Most of them are carrying shopping bags, but they all bear different burdens.