Mary Portas’ scheme has been widely criticized in the past few months for failing to draw crowds back onto the nation’s high streets. Instead of using the money awarded to towns taking part in the scheme for improvements and consumer initiatives, critics claim, the majority of Portas’ street teams have instead squandered the cash on expensive children’s entertainers and other failed initiatives.
As a result, towns and cities across the country are now being encouraged to take matters into their own hands in supporting local traders. This is exactly what has happened in Sheffield, with the high street preparing to play host to a number of exciting events taking place throughout the summer.
The scheme, entitled Summer Saturdays, kicks off this weekend June 29th with a sprawling independent market. Other activities will take place from 1pm to 7pm and Sheffield’s small businesses will certainly be hoping the weather holds up for the crowds doing their bit for the high street.
Similar events will take place every Saturday up until the end of September, with other confirmed attractions including an open air cinema, Sheffield Pride procession and Devonshire Market on Division Street for the very first time. Altogether, 20 different events will be available for local residents and visitors to choose from, meaning that there will be plenty of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Sheffield Council launched the campaign in order to support local paper The Star’s Summer of Love drive. The aim of the combined initiatives is to allow local traders and businesses to recover after several tough years of recession by encouraging local consumers to spend their disposable income within the community rather than relying on internet shopping and large chain stores outside the city centre.
Leigh Bramall, cabinet member for business, skills and development, believes the initiative could prove to be extremely profitable for small retailers struggling to make ends meet.
He says; “This is a major investment from the Keep Sheffield Working fund to boost the city centre and proactively support businesses in the current climate.
“We’re aspiring to achieve a vibrant, energetic city and there is so much going on over the coming months and years that we are proud of – Summer Saturdays will make visits to the city centre memorable this summer and give people a reason to choose the city centre for shopping, socialising and leisure.
“We expect this, along with reducing the cost of off-street parking, to bring more people into the city centre who will stay for longer and encourage shops to open later.”
While there will always be those who claim gimmicks will not be enough to save the high streets, events such as Summer Saturdays brings community spirit to the high street and gives people a reason to be there.
Perhaps, if more towns and cities follow in the footsteps of Sheffield, expensive government schemes such as the Portas review can be handed back to local councils safe in the knowledge that town centres are in safe hands.
Will you be visiting Sheffield to take part in Summer Saturdays this year?
