THE FIRST of four days free parking takes place in Bromsgrove town centre today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday).
The council runs the scheme to encourage people to shop locally and to support the town’s independent outlets in the run up to Christmas and today is also Small Business Saturday.
Now in its ninth year in the UK, Small Business Saturday has grown significantly with an estimated £1.1billion spent in small businesses across the UK during last year’s event.
With an estimated 59 per cent of UK shoppers now favouring local businesses over corporate ones, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of this new consumer trend.
After the past 18 months, smaller shops are struggling and will welcome the extra Christmas custom.
A host of other festive events are also being held to support the town centre during the festive season.
BirdBox’s ‘Welcome Back’ Christmas market will be returning this year from 2pm to 8pm on Friday, December 17, 12pm to 8pm on Saturday, December 18, and 12pm to 5pm on Sunday, December 19. Free parking will be available on the Saturday and Sunday.
Bromsgrove District Council Leader, Coun Karen May, said: “We could have chosen any, random weekends to offer our traditional free parking but felt that these two events were important to bring visitors and life back to our town.”
In true Christmas fashion, Bromsgrove will be transformed to fit the festive theme and stalls will be selling handmade items and gifts created by local crafters, while vendors will be selling street food, steins of beer, mulled wine, and Bailey’s hot chocolate.
Coun May added: “I can’t wait to see Bromsgrove High Street and BirdBox full of festive cheer and enjoyed by many.”
Visit bromsgrove.gov.uk for more information.
