Bishop’s Stortford BID spreads festive spirit as town centre’s countdown to Christmas begins
Elves distributed yuletide treats to shoppers as Bishop’s Stortford BID began the countdown to Christmas.
The Business Improvement District body, which represents town centre traders, organised Festive Fun Day in Potter Street and Market Square on Sunday (November 17) to showcase the high street’s present potential. It paid for a road closure during the four-hour road closure from 12 noon to 4pm.
The BID invited Rock Choir, Forte Performing Arts School, Kelsey Crowley, KBD Dance and Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company to entertain visitors in Market Square before Maid Marian, one of the stars of South Mill Arts’ Robin Hood pantomime, switched on the Christmas tree lights in the dusk.
The BID sponsors the fir, which is provided by the town council, and decorated it with ornaments from Elements Home and Garden.
Joint managers Karen Burton and Madeleine Lees continued the theme of supporting BID businesses with lucky dip prizes purchased at shops and services in the town centre.
The giveaways for shoppers continued with Christmas elves and performers dressed as candy canes handing out surprise gifts.
There were also free roasted chestnuts available on South Street to spread the Christmas spirit.
To support Festive Fun Day, traders offered discounts, special offers and seasonal treats.
Karen said: “We hope everyone who came enjoyed the day as much as we did! It was lovely to see the town buzzing. Everyone seemed to appreciate the Christmas atmosphere provided by local music and dance groups plus Lady Marian from South Mill Arts’ Robin Hood panto.
“Festive Fun Day celebrates all we have on offer in Bishop’s Stortford’s town centre, from retail to hospitality. We had a free-to-enter lucky dip and meet-and-greet elves and candy cane characters popping up here and there. They were armed with bags full of goodies to share with visitors.
“All the prizes and gifts were bought by the BID from our town centre businesses and helped to highlight what a great choice and range of Christmas items we have available on our high street.
“The road was closed from Church Street to Bridge Street, which added to the festivities by making it a car-free space. As an essential part of all public events’ precautionary measures, we had first aiders and an ambulance on site. The crew helped provide some unofficial entertainment by using it as an opportunity for children to experience first-hand what it’s like inside an emergency vehicle.
“For both me and Madeleine, organising this event highlights once again what fantastic businesses and community spirit we have here in Bishop’s Stortford.”
Cllr Chris Wilson, a member of Bishop’s Stortford town and East Herts councils and the district’s executive member for resident engagement, said: “Another big well done to BID. They organised an excellent event in the Market Square and the town centre was buzzing and happy.
“They’re doing a great job of finding ways to keep the town alive and I’m pleased the town council are continuing to work with them.”
The BID has donated £50 gift cards to be spent in the town to 10 groups and good causes to support their Christmas fundraising.
The lucky recipients are: the parent teacher associations at six primary schools – Richard Whittington, St Michael’s, Windhill21 and Avanti Meadows in Stortford plus Birchanger and Magna Carta in Stansted – Grove Cottage, The Welbeloved Club, Brook Cottage Farm Riding for the Disabled Association at Furneux Pelham and NSPCC East.
