Festive Fun Day: Join Bishop’s Stortford BID on Sunday November 17 to kick off Christmas in the town centre
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire and other yuletide treats will bring the spirit of Christmas to Bishop’s Stortford on Sunday November 17.
The town’s BID (Business Improvement District), which supports town centre traders, is bringing back its Festive Fun Day for a second year by popular demand.
The event, from noon until 4pm, will officially launch Christmas shopping season on the high street and showcase the gifts and goodies its stores and services have to offer.
The BID hopes customers will enjoy a variety of entertainment as they start to stock up on presents, food and drink for December 25.
Road closures will be in place from Potter Street’s junction with Church Street up to the Market Square/North Street/High Street/Bridge Street junction to provide a safe space to browse, perform and spectate.
Once again, Market Square, where the BID has sponsored the town’s Christmas tree, will be the focus of the fun and festivities.
Rock Choir will kick off a programme of performances from noon with Forte Performing Arts School, Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company and KBD Dance also on the bill.
The Christmas tree lights will be officially turned on at dusk – around 3.45pm – by a special guest courtesy of South Mill Arts pantomime Robin Hood.
Throughout, sound and MC-ing will be provided by Martin Green of Cloud 9.
Elsewhere in the town, free hot roasted chestnuts will be available on South Street outside CeX.
Christmas characters will be out and about, popping into shops and handing out free festive giveaways bought in town centre businesses.
The BID will welcome visitors to its gazebo outside Fat Face in Potter Street to review plans for prioritising pedestrians in North Street and to take part in a raffle.
The prize is a Discover Stortford gift card, which can be spent in more than 40 town centre businesses, and there will be other giveaways.
Face Create will be face painting for £5 in Jackson Square’s new community space.
Retailers are encouraged to put on special offers for the day. Market Square café and Greek deli Nostimo will be opening especially for the day – perfect for a warming hot chocolate and sweet treat – while the Dog’s Head will serve mulled wine.
BID joint manager Madeleine Lees said: “Check out what shops have on offer this festive season – get some gift inspiration, start the Christmas shopping and check out venues for upcoming Christmas celebrations.
“Make a day of it and enjoy a drink or bite to eat in one of our cafés, bars and restaurants.”
