The Baytree Shopping Centre has confirmed the highly anticipated return of its Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up Shop in 2026, building on the remarkable success of last year's initiative. The 2025 event proved transformative, enabling over 220 local teenagers to attend their school prom with confidence and pride, free from the burden of financial constraints.
A Vital Response to Rising Costs
With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis placing significant pressure on households across the UK, the expenses associated with prom can feel prohibitively expensive for many families. Research from 2025 highlighted that the average prom expenditure can surpass £700, with a substantial portion dedicated solely to clothing, hair, and makeup. The Baytree's initiative directly addresses this challenge by providing a complete, dignified shopping experience at absolutely no cost.
How the Pop-Up Shop Works
The Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up Shop will open its doors at The Baytree Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 21 (9am-5pm) and Sunday, March 22 (10am-4pm). Teenagers will be able to browse, try on, and select their perfect outfits from a curated collection of gently worn prom attire. The pop-up will offer a full range of items, including dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories, all provided free of charge in a dedicated retail space within the centre.
The project is meticulously targeted to support families who may find prom costs challenging. The shopping centre works in close partnership with local schools, councils, and support organisations to ensure the initiative reaches those who need it most.
Strong Community and Business Backing
The 2026 event is proudly supported by key local partners. Brentwood Connected, the Business Improvement District, returns as an official sponsor, while Radio Essex continues its role as media partner to help raise awareness across the county. The project is once again coordinated by the centre's retained marketing agency, Key Lime PR and Marketing.
Sarah Walmsley, Brentwood Connected BID manager, commented: "Brentwood Connected is proud to support the return of the Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up. This initiative embodies everything we stand for—bringing our community together and ensuring every young person can enjoy important milestones with confidence. The incredible response last year showed how much this matters, and we're delighted to help make prom accessible to all."
Chris Brooks, programme director at Radio Essex, added: "We're delighted to continue supporting this fantastic community project that makes a genuine difference to local families. We're proud to help encourage donations and awareness through our station."
Call for Donations
To make the 2026 event a success, The Baytree is issuing a fresh appeal for donations of gently worn prom attire. All sizes, styles, and colours are welcome. Each donated item has the potential to make a profound difference to a young person's special night.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
- The Baytree Centre Management Office (CM14 4BX)
- Dee Creases (Press On), The Keys Eagle Way, Great Warley
- Laundry & Latte, 27 Warley Hill, Warley
- Key Lime PR & Marketing, Audit House, Billericay
Items are kindly requested to be dropped off in protective coverings where possible.
Maria Kyriacou-Edwards, centre manager at The Baytree Shopping Centre, said: "The response last year was truly heart-warming. Seeing over 200 teenagers leave feeling confident and prom-ready reinforced how important this is. We're incredibly proud to bring it back for 2026 and support even more young people to enjoy a night they'll remember forever."
Further details, including booking information, will be announced closer to the event dates.
