Residents and visitors shopping in the town over the Bank Holiday weekend are in for a treat, with exciting events and competitions planned, thanks to Stuart Alexander of Big Mouth Guildford, with support from our town centre Business Improvement District Experience Guildford.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Caroline Reeves explains: ‘The Bank Holiday Sale Bonanza encourages residents and visitors to shop local over the August bank holiday weekend. In return, huge discounts and savings will be on offer – from beauty treatments to bike hire, as well as the opportunity to enter competitions, to stand a chance of winning a three-course meal, or a night in a luxury hotel. The Guildford Shakespeare Company will also be performing in our Castle grounds – please see website for details.’
‘We have been collaborating with businesses across the borough throughout the Coronavirus (Covid 19) outbreak to help them in every way we can. So far, we have awarded £21,785 000 in government grants to over 1,600 businesses and we have worked with Experience Guildford to support our retail and hospitality sector opening back up following lock down with safety measures in place etc. We have also been fully supportive of the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme, which is bringing people back into our town centre and open spaces.’
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Joss Bigmore comments: ‘This latest fantastic initiative from Stuart Alexander of Big Mouth Guildford demonstrates the innovative and collaborative spirit that we have seen over the past weeks and months. With over 140 independent retailers in the town, many of whom are involved with the Bank Holiday event, we hope that the weekend will provide a fun-packed, enjoyable shopping experience for all.’
He adds: ‘Innovative events such as this to promote our fantastic independent retailers and remind residents of what a variety of great shops we have – for all pockets – are brilliant and we are proud to support this. The pandemic has affected us all in different ways and we are committed to working together to support our communities and our local economy. To help residents we are offering free afternoon parking across all three days in our pay and displays car parks. See https://www.guildford.gov.uk/carparks for details.’
Please visit www.experienceguildford.com for full details of the fantastic range of prizes and competitions on offer.
Amanda Masters, CEO of Experience Guildford our town centre Business Improvement District says: ‘One thing we know for certain is that shopping in Guildford will look and feel very different once we have come out of the other side of this pandemic. Whilst conditions remain challenging in the short-term, I have been thrilled and encouraged to see how quickly many of our retailers have responded. Businesses are making every effort to provide a safe and enjoyable shopping experience and this initiative is one way in which you can offer your support in return – and have a bit of fun in doing so.’
Stuart Alexander, Big Mouth Guildford, marketing agency says: ‘Many independent business owners became local heroes during lockdown, stepping up and going ‘above and beyond’ to provide services and products to the community. Now it’s our turn as a community to support our local businesses; many of which are looking to shift stock that was left languishing in lockdown. You can hop on a local bus for free over the Bank Holiday weekend and might even win a free taxi ride to and from town, by entering one of our many competitions. Watch out for adverts on local radio and across social media to find out more about our Bank Holiday Sale Bonanza – and bag yourself a bargain.