We are thrilled to be hosting this event on Saturday 14th September. It is designed to showcase the vibrancy and versatility of this beautiful historic street, while offering businesses across the town centre an exciting opportunity to engage with the local community and attract new customers.
Below you’ll find useful information regarding the event itself, the road closure, diversion and opportunities for your business.
Event Format/Theme
Vintage circus meets Covent Garden! North Street will be dressed for the occasion with bunting, festoon lights and communal seating areas. The BID has arranged the following to enhance the event experience and create opportunities for businesses:
- Seating Areas: Two fenced-off seating areas with picnic tables and deckchairs, will be available on either side of Barrett Lane, outside Lloyds and HSBC.
- Talking Tent: Located at the top of Barrett Lane, this area will showcase visualizations of a potential pedestrian-priority North Street for the future, serve as a public consultation space, and host a Showtime registration point.
- Standing Barrels: 20+ table-top standing barrels will be placed along the street, adorned with festoon lights.
- Entertainment Zones: The area outside the old Indie office will feature a circus skills workshop during the day and a fire act in the evening. The stage, located at the Water Lane end, will host popular local covers band, The Jjarrs, who will perform three sets between 6-10pm. Roaming acts, including a juggler, stilt walkers and acrobats, will move throughout the whole pedestrianized area throughout the day, entertaining visitors.
Business Opportunities
If you are a North Street hospitality business, we will be in touch with you directly.
If you are a hospitality business elsewhere in the town, think about what takeaway options or promotions you could offer for the day. Ice creams, a meal deal, something circus themed? Let us know and we can promote it via our Discover Stortford platforms ahead of the event. The BID is providing standing and seating areas, where people can enjoy a drink or bite to eat from anywhere in the town.
If you are a non-hospitality business, think what can you do to attract people through your doors, that day and/or in future.
Road Closure
To enable the event set up and take down, North Street will be closed to traffic from 6:00am to 12:00 midnight. The closure will be from the Bridge Street junction to Water Lane. Please note: the traffic flow on Water Lane will be reversed allowing traffic to enter by Edwards Interiors and exit onto Bridge Street.
Deliveries
If your business is affected by the road closure and you require essential deliveries on the day, please contact us to make arrangements. All deliveries must be completed before 10am.
A Trial with a Vision
Showtime is a trial event, aiming to boost business but also to give local residents a glimpse of how North Street could evolve into a pedestrian-friendly area. We’ve pulled out all the stops to make this event a success and provide you with a platform to shine. Your participation and input are crucial in helping shape the future of our town centre.
Please get in touch with any questions. We are here to help.
Karen Burton karen@bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk Madeleine Lees mads@bishopsstortfordbid.co.uk
