High Street Week celebrations kick off this weekend

18 Sep 2015 11:12 AM

High Street Week launches this weekend, the focus of a national campaign encouraging people to support their vibrant local high streets.

High Street Week will run for seven days from Saturday (September 19) and will see events and fun family activities such food and craft fairs, children’s activities, vintage days and street parties take place across Wales.

The week is the focus of the Welsh Government’s ‘Support Your High Street’ campaign, which raises the profile of Welsh high streets and recognises the valuable contribution they make to the economy and community life.

As part of the celebrations, Communities Minister, Lesley Griffiths, will announce the winners of the prestigious new High Street Heroes awards on Tuesday 22 September.

The finalists of the High Street Heroes awards are Beth Giles, Giles Gallery, Pontyclun; Hal Holmes-Pierce, elevate your sole, Prestatyn; and Mark Young, Denbigh Chocolate Shop, Denbighshire.

Winners of the High Street favourites categories of the awards, determined by public vote, will also be announced. The awards celebrate the retailers, services and individuals who deserve recognition for helping to make their local high streets great.

Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Lesley Griffiths, said:

"Our high streets and town centres are a key part of the fabric of Welsh community life. They not only offer vital services and great produce, but also valuable places for family and friends to come together to socialise. This is why I am encouraging everyone to support their high streets and take part in the fun events and activities taking place up and down Wales this week.

"One of the highlights of the week for me will be announcing the winners of the High Street Heroes Awards. These retailers, services and individuals are the beating heart of their communities and I look forward to celebrating their achievements."

During the week a food and craft fair is being held in Carmarthen, a family fun day in Porthmadog and a ‘Try a Trader’ day in Newport. Other events include a Tenby Heritage day on the 23rd of September and food festival in Narbeth on 25-26th September.