Working with business community to plan ‘alternative’ Christmas

In what has been a hugely challenging year for shops and businesses, Harborough District Council will work with local businesses and retail groups with a view to staging a series of alternative Christmas events.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the traditional Christmas lights switch on in Market Harborough, which has attracted big crowds annually, cannot go ahead. However, the Christmas tree on The Square and festive lights for the town will be installed as usual to kick off the festive season from the 20 November 2020, as well as the small trees above shop fronts. 

Proposals for a Victorian Christmas market are also being explored, as well as Late Night Shopping, children’s Victorian trail, fancy dress and photography competition, window dressing competition, and a festive ‘shop local’ campaign, as a further boost to the local economy.

In addition to supporting Market Harborough’s Victorian Christmas, Harborough District Council is also looking to support businesses in other towns and villages to help maximise the opportunities to encourage people to ‘shop local’ at this important time of year for the retail sector.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “Whilst there is a lot of uncertainty about the future in the current climate; it is important that we continue to support businesses in any way we can. We are aware that Christmas is an important time for retailers and we are exploring what we can do to encourage more shoppers into town and retail centres at this time.”

Full details of festive events will be shared as they are confirmed.