Northampton will mark Independents Day on July 4, a celebration of the town’s independent traders championing their individuality, customer service and commitment to quality.
As part of the third national Independents’ Day, leaders of the town centre Business Improvement District (BID) have organised a series of events aimed at raising the profile of local traders and putting smaller firms in the spotlight.
Highlights include a lunchtime street party on July 4, a ‘Safari Supper’ at a number of town centre restaurants, in-store promotions, street entertainment and both musical and theatrical ‘pop-up’ performers.
BID chairman Sue Roberts said: “The campaign is designed to encourage the public to shop with independent traders and see more of some of the exceptional independently owned businesses we have in the town.
“It is now in its third year and Northampton BID has decided to put its own spin on the event and take it to a whole new level with a series of dedicated events across the town centre.
“It’s going to be a massive event and something the town has never seen before. We’ve got some really exciting plans and we think July 4 is going to be a very special day in Northampton.”
Latest figures have revealed there are more than 200 independent businesses in Northampton town centre and it is hoped that a month-long series of activities and events will help boost their profile and encourage more shoppers to visit smaller traders.
Promotional banners, balloons, flags and window displays will help transform the town in the weeks leading up to Independents’ Day itself on July 4.
Mrs Roberts added: “We would love to see the businesses, workers, shoppers, diners and entertainers all come together to showcase just what we have to offer in Northampton.
“We are fortunate enough to have some absolutely brilliant little businesses in Northampton, we just want as many people as possible to know about them and use them regularly.”