Pre-prom bargain hunters can search for second-hand showtoppers when a pop-up shop returns to a Brentwood shopping centre.
The Baytree Shopping Centre's Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up Shop will be back in 2026, offering free prom outfits to teenagers.
The return follows the success of the 2025 event, which saw more than 220 young people attend their prom in style.
Maria Kyriacou-Edwards, centre manager at The Baytree Shopping Centre, said: "The response to our Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up Shop last year was truly heart-warming. Seeing over 200 teenagers leave feeling confident, excited and prom-ready reinforced just how important this initiative is for our community.
"We’re incredibly proud to be bringing it back for 2026 and supporting even more young people to enjoy a night they’ll remember forever."
The pop-up shop offers dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories free of charge, to ensure that no young person misses out on prom because of financial pressures.
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Prom night can be costly for families, with research from 2025 showing the average spend can exceed £700. The initiative is designed to ease the burden and make prom accessible for all.
The shop will be open at The Baytree Shopping Centre on March 21, from 9am to 5pm, and March 22, from 10am to 4pm. The project is co-ordinated by Key Lime PR & Marketing and supported by Brentwood Connected, the event's official sponsor.
Sarah Walmsley, business improvement district manager at Brentwood Connected, said: "Brentwood Connected is proud to support the return of the Pre-Loved Prom Pop-Up.
"This initiative embodies everything we stand for as a Business Improvement District bringing our community together, ensuring every young person has the chance to enjoy important milestones with confidence and pride."
Radio Essex will again serve as the event's media partner. To support the 2026 event, The Baytree is calling for donations of gently worn prom clothing and accessories.
Donations can be dropped off at the centre management office behind the shopping centre, Dee Creases in Great Warley, Laundry & Latte on Warley Hill, or Key Lime PR & Marketing in Billericay.
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