Newbury BID: Making things happen this spring and summer
The BID says it is working hard to organise and promote events in the town
NEWBURY Business Improvement District (BID) works hard to promote Newbury by organising, supporting and promoting events in the town, helping to make it an exciting place for locals to spend leisure time and bringing in visitors from far and wide to experience what is on offer.
The myriad events in 2014 were proven to bring extra footfall into the town. Many businesses embrace these opportunities and take the initiative to promote their outlet in some way.
One such shop owner is Helen Vickers of florist Willow and Blooms in Bartholomew Street.
Helen said: “The BID is continually recognising and developing new ideas for Newbury town centre.
“As a small independent retailer I realise that I cannot rely on the BID to bring footfall into my business, but I recognise and take advantage of BID’s efforts to bring footfall into the town by being involved and supporting initiatives wherever possible.
“For me the Giant Easter Egg Hunt 2014 was a real success as so many potential customers searched for my shop which is just beyond the town centre perimeter.
“Also, winning the best-dressed Christmas window competition the previous year was tremendous.
“Part of my prize was a free radio advert aired three times a day which was fantastic.
“Both these events were generously covered on social media. These two initiatives took only a small amount of effort from me but showed positive results.”
Events coming up in Newbury this spring and summer include the fantastic NewburyFest, which runs from June 27 until July 26 – a full month of fun.
NewburyFest kicks off with the Food Festival over the weekend of June 27/28. This is the third year Newbury has hosted a Food Festival, and June will be the sixth such event for the town.
The NewburyFest finale is on Sunday, July 26, with the annual Waterways Festival, organised by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and supported by Newbury BID, which always takes on a special theme (in 2014 it was ‘Viking Invasion’), with boats gathering on the canal, and events for all the family taking place in Victoria Park and at The Wharf.
Other events forming part of NewburyFest 2015 are: the Rotary Club Boules Tournament; Shop Local Week; Parkway Street Party; Newbury Carnival; Strongman Competition; Newbury Balloon Festival; and Vintage 999.
There is much happening before then, too: the Giant Easter Egg Hunt (April 3-18); Empowering West Berkshire Feel Good Fortnight (April 11-25); St George’s Day celebrations (April 23); Car Festival (May 2-4); and Newbury Round Table Crafty Craft Race (May 4).
Russell Downing, managing director of Newbury BID, said: “Many organisations already embrace all the positive aspects of these events by getting involved – and we thank them for that. “But if you have not yet come up with ideas to draw customers in and promote your name while the town is packed with people enjoying these activities, it’s time to get planning.”
