This Saturday (March 16), the spotlight will be shining on high streets of four local market towns and everyone is invited.
A series of celebratory events will bring music, art and poetry onto the high street, as well as a scavenger hunt in and out of local shops and cafes in the South Kesteven area.
The events, co-ordinated and delivered by InvestSK, the local economic growth and regeneration company, and South Kesteven District Council, will run in Stamford, Bourne, Market Deeping and Grantham from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday March 16. They’re designed to celebrate the high street and encourage more shoppers to visit and support local retailers.
In addition to the day’s celebrations, InvestSK has also ring-fenced £10,000 of its Town Centre Investment Fund for £2,500 to be made available to each of the market towns to bring forward initiatives that promote local independent businesses.
The £2,500 grants will be made available to a representative body in Stamford, Grantham, Market Deeping and Bourne where it can demonstrate that it will create more awareness of the value independent businesses bring to a town.
Steve Bowyer, chief executive of InvestSK, said: “Our high streets are the lifeblood of our market towns and we want to encourage more people to shop locally and support our independent retailers.
“We know that the shape of retail is constantly changing but the fundamental principles remain the same: if there are people to sell to, then shops, restaurants and cafes will thrive.
“We need to make the high street exciting and more diverse, and bring people into our towns. This campaign day is designed to do just that.
“The funding that we are setting aside for each of the towns will also help to promote independent businesses and showcase all that the towns have to offer.”
Cllr Nick Robins, cabinet member for retail and visitor economy at South Kesteven District Council, added: “The District Council has made it clear that our high streets are a priority, and we are pleased to provide this practical support for our towns and independent businesses.
“We have fantastic companies and other organisations operating in each of our town centres and we need to promote that offer to residents and visitors alike.
“I’d urge anyone to come along on Saturday to have fun and enjoy our brilliant high streets, and shop local!”
Full details of the high street celebration events can be found at: www.discoversouthkesteven.com/events/celebratingourhighstreets