Nantwich Food and Drink Festival organisers are urging more traders to get behind the event by opening their doors on Sunday.
They fear town centre shopkeepers will miss out on bumper takings over festival weekend September 14-16 if they fail to join in the region’s biggest gastronomic gathering.
Record numbers are expected at this year’s festival which boasts a big programme of fun food-related activities and family entertainment in shops and venues across the town.
Festival chairman Deborah Robb said: “Nantwich is fortunate in that it has many events which pull people into the area such as the Nantwich Show.
“But this festival is free of charge and takes place right in the heart of town where people spend their money.
“With over 30,000 people expected over festival weekend, it is utter madness to stay closed on Sunday when so much is happening on the festival programme.
“We have a new Food Theatre with top local chefs demonstrating dishes right in the middle of town on the square which will be a huge draw especially as all their entertainment is free to behold.
“Last year we were delighted to see more traders open up on the Sunday and to those who still shy away from doing this we say ‘do yourself a favour, open your doors.’
“It’s your chance to showcase your business and encourage people to return Nantwich after the festival.”
A survey of 2011’s event revealed it generated £2m in income for Nantwich, setting tills ringing in both food and non-food shops.
Of 27,000 visitors, around 11,000 were from Cheshire and 16,000 from neighbouring counties and further afield.
On average they spent between £50-100 in shops and more people chose to stay overnight in hotels and B&Bs.
A total of 97% said they enjoyed the festival, 77% ticking the box to say they had a ‘wonderful time’ and would definitely visit again.
Deborah, who heads up the not-for-profit organisation that plans the festival, added: “Everyone on the committee is passionate about Nantwich and ensuring our town centre remains a vibrant place.
“Here traders have a huge event on their doorstep– all they have to do is open up and be part of the great buzz that will be about town.”
For more information on festival activities visit www.nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk
Pic: Deborah Robb (centre) with Nantwich Food and Drink Festival director Roger Mills and Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Graham Fenton
It is noticeable that some Nantwich shopkeepers can’t be bothered to open their shops on some weekdays, let alone Sundays. Perhaps they are already making so much money that they don’t need extra income from events like the Festival. One thing is for sure, Sunday or weekdays, closed shops will not bring in customers or their cash.