The town centre will be ending 2020 on a high note this December, with live music, seasonal entertainment, free parking and ‘Shop Local’ celebrations
We’re ending the year on a high note, thanks to a host of seasonal activities this December – kicking off with a celebration of the shops themselves during Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday
The annual event, taking place on the 5 December, champions small businesses across the country, and echoes a message at the core of what we do; support and ‘Shop Local’. The campaign is especially poignant after this challenging year. To help, we recent filmed a special ‘Christmas message’ featuring a number of the town centre’s small businesses which can be found below. Look out for more Christmas videos from local shops throughout December.
Vegan Market
It’s ‘third time lucky’ for the Vegan Market’s return to High Wycombe on the 6 December, with 30+ specialist stalls from the across the UK coming to town. Showcasing a huge array of healthy eats, artisan savouries, sweet bakes, craft cheeses, handmade cosmetics & ethical clothing, there’ll be treats & eats for everyone. The market is taking place in the High Street from 10am to 3pm.
Free Parking
The festive parking dates have now been released for this year. Shoppers can now park for free in the town centre on Saturday 5, 12 & 19 of December. The offer applies to The Swan , Dovecot/Sainsburys and Easton Street carparks. It’s the perfect excuse to head down and do your Christmas shopping.
Carols & Competitions
The Christmas musical vibes will be in full swing from this Saturday 5 December, as the Salvation Army Band make their first festive performance underneath the town centre’s Guildhall. With repeat visits scheduled for 12, 19 & 24 December, they will be raising essential funds for local charities and appeals, and all donations would be appreciated.
The town centre itself has received its very own ‘festive makeover’ with 25 GIANT Christmas Puddings running alongside the high street, as well as an interactive light experience installed underneath the Pepperpot. The movement-triggered sensors will launch an interactive festive experience, challenging visitors to strut their best festive dance moves.
The Chiltern Centre will also be receiving its fair share of the Christmas magic with local retailers taking over vacant shop frontages in Frogmoor to create ‘Christmas scenes’, whilst Dan Wilson from Decreate will be painting High Wycombe’s very own ‘Angel Wings’ on Friday 4 December, take a photo in front of the wings and tag #WycombeWings for a chance to win a prize.
Festive Cinema
Festive film buffs will be in for a huge treat with a GIANT LED CINEMA SCREEN popping up by the Frogmoor ‘Parklet’ from Thursday 17 December to Wednesday 23 December. The ‘Festive Film Club’ will be screening two Christmas classics each day at 12noon & 2pm, featuring all the greats including Elf, Polar Express, Home Alone, The Grinch, Jingle All The Way and more.
Screenings will be FREE to attend for all and limited socially-distanced seating will be available – so bring a fluffy blanket and stop by for some festive family fun.
Festive Wheel of Fortune
Finally, on Saturday 19 December, the Guildhall will play host to a special ‘Spin & Win – Festive Wheel of Fortune’ from 11am – 4pm, with shoppers trying their luck to win Christmas goodies galore. Simply show a receipt obtained from a town centre shop or restaurant that day, and take a spin – every player is a guaranteed winner, but will you hit the festive jackpot?
Discussing the upcoming activities Chief Executive of HWBIDCo, Melanie Williams, commented “We’ve worked long and hard to develop an uplifting, Covid-compliant and engaging schedule for December 2020, and after such a challenging year, it’s great to be able to offer so much within the town centre, not only in celebration of the festive season, but also to support our small businesses and local retailers. From HWBIDCo we’d like to thank everyone for their support and for ‘shopping local’ this year – it’s more important now than ever before! Have a great Christmas everyone & see you next year.”
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