Aylesbury to have 'alternative Christmas'

The Town Centre Partnership have organised Christmas-themed activities to fill the streets in town on Thursday 19 November from 12-7pm.

They say this will be 'A perfect opportunity for a bit of late-night shopping.'

The day will include handy hints and tips on how best to be prepared for Christmas, children's activities, competitions and much more.

‘Aylesbury Small Businesses Count Down to Christmas’ will be at the centre of this year's Christmas campaign, encouraging people to visit the town, shop and dine locally at any of the great facilities on offer within the town.

Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centre Regeneration, said:

"This year, more than ever, it’s essential to support our local businesses. Fortunately, there will be plenty of opportunities to shop and dine locally, while at the same time staying safe and having some festive fun.

“Several local businesses are going to be offering discounts in the lead up to Christmas, so look out for these special offers that will be revealed via an Advent calendar through social media.”

An Artisan food market will set up on Sunday 29 November on Market Square with live music and entertainment. This will be followed by the national campaign Small Business Saturday on 5 December. This day will also see the launch of a fun Christmas Safari trail around the town – great for keeping the kids amused while the parents do the all-important shopping.

The ever-popular Christmas Craft & Gift Fair will take place on Market Square on Sunday 6 December, but due to the ongoing pandemic, it will be slightly smaller than on previous occasions. However, there’ll still be loads of opportunities for people to purchase gifts and trinkets for their nearest and dearest.

On Saturday 19 December – which is the last Saturday before Christmas Day – an enhanced market with additional stalls located around the town will give people a perfect opportunity to get those last-minute gifts or even start their Christmas shopping if they’re a last-minute shopper!

Free parking on certain days and times will be available for visitors to the town centre:

Thursdays with effect from 3 December up to and including Thursday 24 December from 3.30pm in Buckinghamshire Council-owned Aylesbury town centre car parks (some exclusions apply).

Friars Square is offering free parking from 3.30pm on late night trading. See their website for more details: https://friarssquareshopping.comOn Sundays, with effect from Sunday 6 December up to and including Sunday 20 December, free parking in Walton Street Car Park.

More information on events and activities in Aylesbury can be found at: www.visitaylesbury.co.uk