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Arts Festival to attract thousands to Stafford

Monday, 13 August, 2012 - Modified on Monday, 13 August, 2012 at 2:06 pm

 

 

 

The Guildhall Shopping Centre is playing a big part in Stafford Arts Festival once again this year.

 

Footfall in Stafford was up 10% for the inaugural arts festival last September, with a range of attractions for visitors including music in Market Square, art demonstrations in the Guildhall Shopping Centre and landscape art workshops at the Ancient High House.

 

And organisers of this year’s event, which takes place on September 15th, have put together an equally varied line-up, which includes African singing band Soweto Entsha, craft demonstrations from the North Staffordshire Guild of Craftsmen and DJ workshops at the Stafford Ale House.

 

Guildhall Shopping Centre Marketing Manager Anne Graham said: “We have another great line-up this year, and I’m particularly excited about Soweto Entsha, an a capella four-piece from the townships of central Johannesburg.

 

“There will be something for everyone and we hope to have the same buzz around town as we did last September.”

 

Bosses believe these types of events are essential if town centres are to reverse the national decline in High Street shopping.

 

Richard Ralph, Senior Surveyor at DTZ, Managing Agents for the Guildhall, said: “Town centres are facing many challenges at the moment, and Stafford is no different.

 

“Events like the Arts Festival are helping us to buck the trend though – last year’s event brought over 32000 people into the shopping centre, which was 7% higher than the same weekend in 2010.

 

“It’s vitally important for retailers around the country to work together, be creative and give people reasons to visit their local High Street.”

 

The Guildhall Shopping Centre was opened in June 1991 by HRH Princess Anne, and has since attracted over 30million visitors and created more than 1500 jobs. Current tenants include JJB Sports, HMV and Carphone Warehouse.

Further information is available at www.guildhallstafford.com.