Monmouthshire’s towns and villages are gearing up for festivities this Christmas with a reminder to shop local. This on-going, successful campaign to ‘bring the magic back’ to Monmouthshire’s high streets is being delivered in collaboration with local businesses, town councils, chambers of commerce, schools, Monmouthshire County Council and Visit Monmouthshire.
Celebrations begin in Usk, where residents can enjoy a special late night shopping evening on Thursday 2nd December, pop along to find unique gift ideas from independent retailers.
Caldicot’s Christmas celebrations begin on Saturday 4th December when locals can enjoy the Christmas market, festive pantomime, and the official light switch-on with an additional Christmas Market on Saturday 18th December.
Reindeer magic starts in Abergavenny on 8th December with Nevill Street businesses opening late on Wednesday 8th December – shoppers will get to meet the beautiful reindeers that have taken over the street and take a selfie on the lit up, sensational squashed reindeer.
Monmouth is hosting a special shopping evening organised by the town’s Chamber of Commerce on Thursday 9th December, with activities focussed around Agincourt Square and Church Street. Live entertainment will be provided by Kitsch and Sync.
After last year’s shopping and celebrations were halted by the pandemic, we’re all being reminded of the importance of shopping locally to support our independent businesses in the lead up to Christmas. To encourage shoppers into town, Monmouthshire County Council has recently announced free weekend parking in all council owned car parks throughout December, up to and including until Boxing Day.
Many of the planned activities in our towns and the Shop Local campaign have been supported by the Transforming Towns Business Fund from Welsh Government, which aims to help encourage more residents and visitors to support local businesses. The Shop Local campaign is working to also bring some festive cheer to our high streets while promoting the county’s unique businesses, their products and services.
Deputy Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Sara Jones, said: “Many businesses will have missed out on crucial pre-Christmas trade last year due to the impact of the pandemic, and so this year shopping locally has never been more important. We can all help. Everything needed for a fantastic Christmas can be bought right here in Monmouthshire. When it comes to gifts, I know that each of our towns and villages offer a great deal of inspiration and choices. When you shop locally, you’re also giving back to the community and helping our friends and neighbours’ businesses. We welcome visitors to enjoy a wonderful day in beautiful Monmouthshire there’s so much on offer.”
The youngest people in our communities have played their part to share the magic. Look out for gorgeous artwork which will start appearing across the county which has been designed by talented local children from Llandogo and Kymin View Primary Schools. Follow @MonmouthshireCC on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to find out more, and keep an eye on the Shop Local page on monmouthshire.gov.uk for updates: https://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/shop-local/
