Shoppers throng the streets for Bishop’s Stortford BID’s Festive Fun Day

sinead.corr@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 10:53, 21 November 2023

| Updated: 15:41, 21 November 2023

The Christmas spirit made an early arrival in Bishop’s Stortford when the town’s BID (Business Improvement District) hosted a Festive Fun Day on Sunday.

The mayor, Cllr Richard Townsend, introduced a programme of entertainment in Market Square featuring performances by Somewhere 2 Sing, Forte Performing Arts and Dance Studio, Apton Dance Studio, Herts & Soul Community Choir and Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company.

South Mill Arts pantomime's Cinderella, who is played by Etta Williams, turned on the Christmas tree lights and entertained the crowd with a rendition of All I Want for Christmas is You to close the event.

Cheeky elves add Christmas spirit. Picture by Will Alderton

Elsewhere, Bishop’s Stortford Ukulele Society performed in Jackson Square, there were three hours of free face-painting in Florence Walk, courtesy of FaceCreate, free hot roasted chestnuts in South Street – and half-a-dozen cheeky elves handed out chocolate treats, sweets, Christmas cards, Advent calendars, soft toys and more.

The BID set up a stall to give away 250 custom-designed festive tote bags designed by artist Julia Fonnereau.

Footfall was up 22% on the previous Sunday and Gina Thomas, the BID manager, said: “We ran out as they were so popular, but can exclusively reveal we have another 250 available on Saturday, December 2 at the Christmas Fayre in the town. Come and see us in the Community Space in Jackson Square to pick yours up if you missed out!”

BID chair Karen Burton and marketing and communications manager Madeleine Lees. Picture by Will Alderton

The BID also organised a raffle with £500 worth of Discover Stortford vouchers up for grabs, and retailers had special offers for shoppers ahead of more deals on Black Friday (November 24).

Dawn Larn, who owns Muse Boutique in Bridge Street, said: “Thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed the festivities. It was lovely to see you all. Thank you so much, we have the best customers, old and new. We can safely say Discover Stortford did the town proud.”

Gina added: “A huge thank you to all the performers who joined us in Bishop’s Stortford to help us bring the Christmas atmosphere to the town centre for our Festive Fun Day.

“It was lovely to see so many people enjoying our town and all it has to offer. There’s everything you’ll need this Christmas, from gifting to socialising!”

Strutting their stuff. Picture by Will Alderton

Elves hand out treats. Picture by Will Alderton

A young shopper at the BID stall. Picture by Will Alderton

Young dancers in the Market Square. Picture by Will Alderton

Artist Julia Fonnereau with the festive tote she designed for the BID. Picture by Will Alderton

A young entertainer. Picture by Will Alderton

BID chair Karen Burton and manager Gina Thomas. Picture by Will Alderton

Members of Bishop’s Stortford Musical Theatre Company closed the show in Market Square. Picture by Will Alderton

Duncan Rutherford conducts his Somewhere 2 Sing choir. Picture by Will Alderton

Etta Williams as Cinderella from the South Mill Arts panto turned on the Christmas tree lights. Picture by Will Alderton

Music in the Market Square courtesy of BSMTC. Picture by Will Alderton

Bishop's Stortford Ukulele Society hit the right note in Jackson Square. Picture by Will Alderton

Free face painting in Florence Walk. Picture by Will Alderton

Shoppers enjoy the festive fun. Picture by Will Alderton

Tasty welcome to Muse boutique. Picture by Will Alderton

Mulled wine outside the Dog's Head. Picture by Will Alderton

Plants and pies from Martin Cullen at House Plants Express!

All pictures by Will Alderton of JDD Media

Bishops Stortford Business Sinead Corr