Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID) are spreading festive cheer across the city centre with two impressive light installations and the return of their Christmas trail.
The two light installations, a five meter tall Santa and a three meter Brearley Bear will be unveiled as part of the city’s Christmas light switch on, happening on 17 November.
Diane Jarvis, Sheffield BID manager, said: “Once again the BID is committed to creating magical experiences for families to enjoy this Christmas. Our illuminated Santa Claus and Brearley Bear will light up the city centre – creating lovely festive photo opportunities and memories. At a time when the high street is facing challenges, city centres need to provide a diverse range of events to help drive extra economic benefits to local businesses.”
The trail encourages families to solve the clues together and explore the city in search of Santa’s reindeer. Every child will receive a special Christmas gift once they have completed the trail.
Last year, Sheffield city council reported an increase in city centre footfall over the most recent holiday, compared to the year before.
Diane Jarvis, Sheffield BID Manager, explained: “At a time when the high street is facing challenges, city centres need to provide a diverse range of events to help drive extra economic benefits to local businesses.”
BID’s Christmas trail was a crucial economic driver in the success of last year, with over 4,750 people visiting the city centre solely for the Christmas trail. An additional £265,000 was estimated to have been spent in cafes, bars and shops
Diane added: “The festive season is a crucial time for our retailers, which is why we invest at this time of year. Our illuminations, along with our free festive Christmas trail, will provide a further boost to footfall and spread it across all the city centre so that as many businesses as possible can benefit.
“Christmas is also a great opportunity to showcase Sheffield City Centre at its best – a fun, vibrant and family-friendly destination.”
Brearley’s Reindeer Round-up runs from 23rd November until 24th December. Families can pick up a guide from Sheffield BID at Unit 1 on Surrey Street or download one here.
