Welcome to our Huddersfield BID town centre blog where every month BID manager SAM SHARP looks at some of the exciting things going on in the town
The Christmas season is in full swing and it’s a vital time for our town centre shops, bars and restaurants, in particular.
A good Christmas trading period sets up a business for the following year and Huddersfield businesses need your support more than ever right now.
We had the Huddersfield Christmas lights switch-on the other weekend, which was brilliant – despite the weather – and, of course, Huddersfield Live’s fabulous tipi will be open in St George’s Square from Friday December 2.
We all love the tipi and there’s nothing better than catching up with friends, family or colleagues in the cosy and intimate surroundings over a mulled wine or a hot chocolate. It’s become an annual tradition now and everyone looks forward to it.
At Huddersfield BID our elves have been busy preparing for Christmas and hopefully you’ll have seen the lovely Christmas bows that have appeared on shops around the town centre. Each one is a little touch of Christmas magic from Huddersfield BID.
They look great and they’ve been really well received by town centre businesses.
Many shops and businesses have also entered our Christmas Shop Window Competition. We’ll be giving a prize hamper full of festive goodies to the business with the best display.
We’re publishing pictures of all the entries on our Facebook page where you can vote for your favourite. Voting is open now and runs until December 18. It’s not too late to enter!
Every Saturday until Christmas Huddersfield BID has organised free Christmas street entertainment to bring a smile to people’s faces. Watch out for our amazing street entertainers and don’t forget to say ‘hello’ and maybe get a selfie or two and share them with us on social media!
At the start of November we had our first Christmas Artisan Market and our second one is being held on Sunday December 4 (10am-3pm). It’s proved so popular we’ve opened up some more space so there’ll be even more artisan makers showcasing what they do.
There’s limited space left and if you’d like a stall please email shelby@huddersfieldbid.co.uk.
On the same day there’s the first of three Sunday Christmas markets at Huddersfield Open Market (10am-4pm).
And if you love a Christmas Market, there’s also two being hosted by the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday December 3 and Saturday December 10. They run from 1pm-6pm and will be raising money for the theatre and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Our street rangers have helped prepare the theatre’s courtyard by jet-washing it. We offer a jetwash service as part of our drive to ensure a clean and attractive town centre. It’s amazing what a difference it makes.
As well as cleaning pavements and yards we also tackle graffiti so if you need our help please get in touch.
Finally, I just want to say a big congratulations to six-year-old Alfie who won our Rugby Ball Trail. Those taking part had to find 10 rugby balls painted around the town centre.
Like our Lego Trail, which is really popular, this is a great way to encourage families to explore parts of our town centre that they might not otherwise visit.
Times are tight for everyone right now but please support the town centre and its businesses as much as you can and do enjoy the festivities.
Happy Christmas from everyone here at Huddersfield BID!
