The Bristol Independents campaign is busy promoting Bristol’s array of independent shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and markets in the run-up to Christmas. Traders holding special events or offers can promote them via the Bristol Independents campaign website, at www.bristolindependents.co.uk.
Jane Stevenson from the campaign said: “The Bristol Independents campaign was successfully launched in September, since then our focus has been on promoting a Bristol Independents Christmas. There is really so much on offer from Bristol’s independent traders, please have a look and see what is on offer.”
Council Leader Barbara Janke said: “We are rightly proud in Bristol of our diverse high streets and markets, but to ensure they continue to flourish, I hope people will take the opportunity in the run up to Christmas to use them as much as possible. This is why the Bristol Independents campaign is doing an excellent job highlighting the benefits of shopping locally in and around the city this Christmas.”
Special Christmas events already listed on the Bristol Independents campaign website include:
9 to 20 December- 12 Days of Christmas Local Market taking place from 10am to 6pm (Mon to Sat) and 11am to 5pm (Sun) in Broadmead.
10 December – Christmas Market in the Council House, College Green, 11am – 5pm. Lots of local businesses will have stalls selling crafts and gifts.
Following the success of last year’s food fayre, The Southville Centre in Beauley Road, Southville, will be holding its second Festive Food Fayre from 10am to 4pm.
15 December – 2-8pm ‘Keep Whiteladies Local’ is hosting a festive event in and around St John’s Court on Whiteladies Road – ‘Keep Christmas Local’. The Christmas market will showcase a collection of locally produced gifts and Christmas treats.
16 December – Stapleton Road event – meet in Rawnsley Park at 6.30pm and then on to the steps of Kensington Baptist Church at 7.15pm for more carols and mince pies.
Late-night shopping on North Street in Bedminster. Shops will be open till 8pm on Friday 16 December. There will be carols on the lawn at St Francis church, a lantern parade organised by Paper Village, with lanterns made by their customers, food from the grill in front of Rare Butchers & a children’s trail to raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
17 December- 10am to 4pm – Christmas Food Market, Corn Street.
11 am to 6 pm – The Stokes Croft Street Market
Back at its launch in September, the Bristol Independents campaign invited local residents to nominate their favourite Bristol food businesses in the first ever Bristol Independents Awards. People who made a nomination were automatically entered into a prize draw – this will be held at 11am on Saturday 17 December, at St Nicholas Market.
The 42 nominated Bristol Independents favourites showcase a wide range of food businesses across the city, from Bishopsworth to Clifton, from Henleaze to St George, and include favourite butchers, greengrocers, cafes and market stalls. It’s not too late to vote for your favourite, as the poll stays open till the end of February, see
www.bristolindependents.co.uk for more details.
Special pre-Christmas offers on cosmetic treatments just announced at Q Clinics, Clifton, Bristol. http://www.qclinics.co.uk/special-offers