The final First Thursday of 2010 goes off with a bang!
The city centre monthly First Thursdays party of street entertainment, food and arts and crafts concludes on Thursday 4 November with a grand finale and a Bonfire Night theme in preparation for the Winchester Fireworks extravaganza on Saturday 6 November.The final First Thursday event of the year will feature live music from Red Jackson, Southampton Ukulele Jam and Stone Cold Sober. The market stalls on Winchester High Street will be packed with food, drink and local retailers, and there will be a whole host of stores open for late-night shopping.
And that’s not all – Winchester City Museum has joined forces with the First Thursdays team and are hosting ‘A Night at the Museum’ where you’re invited to explore the ground floor Victorian shops by torchlight and take part in their Bonfire Night themed ‘Make and Take’ on the middle floor. This event will run in parallel with the street party and late shopping that is taking place on the High Street.
The First Thursdays event will also be the first to use the now completed new High Street paving in Winchester City Centre, which was funded courtesy of Hampshire County Council and Winchester City Council. The works have taken place over the last year and businesses, residents and visitors have been hugely supportive throughout and can now celebrate its completion.
Cllr Dominic Hiscock, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity at Winchester City Council, encourages everyone to take part in the final First Thursdays event: “The last three months have seen busy and successful First Thursday events. We want this last one to be the best of them all, so come along for some post-work relaxation and fun. Why not meet friends and family here for food and drink in a buzzing atmosphere!”
The event is the culmination of four months of First Thursday festivities. The aim is to bring more life to Winchester City Centre during the otherwise quiet 4pm – 8pm period. It is also an opportunity to showcase some of the city’s fabulous small businesses who do not usually have a presence on Winchester High Street.
Amy McCartan, Marketing and Communications for Winchester BID says: “The events have gone so well for the past three months; this last evening will be really special. The businesses in the City Centre have really enjoyed the extra time to meet customers and show their wares. The public who have joined in have loved the music and entertainment.” Winchester looks forward to more events like First Thursdays taking place in the future. The great thing about these evening street parties has been the diversity of the audience and how everyone has got involved. There’s something for everyone so let’s hope that November’s First Thursday.
For more information about First Thursdays log on to www.first-thursdays.co.uk or telephone Kate Cloud on 01962 848 563 or email kcloud@winchester.gov.uk