December 2023 Newsletter
Welcome to the final newsletter of 2023, and what a great year it has been for Harrogate BID. Securing a second five-year term in June was an outstanding achievement for both the BID team and Harrogate as a whole, so a huge thank you to all those that have supported us. The BID team are really looking forward to delivering our 2024-2028 business plan from January onwards.
I am very proud to have been Chair of Harrogate BID for such a vital time over the past 12 months. It’s been a pleasure working with the team who are committed to and passionate about Harrogate, continuing to make it a great town to visit, shop, eat and drink.
Harrogate has been filled with a festive buzz this December with thousands flocking into the town for the Christmas Fayre and attractions, we have heard some great positive feedback so far. December also saw the annual Christmas Shop Window Competition Awards evening, where The Yorkshire Soap Company came out as the overall winner. With over 30 entries into the competition, it is great to see the hard work and dedication that goes into each and every display.
As we are edging into the new year, Harrogate BID is excited to launch the first ever Harrogate Self Care Week, from 22nd – 27th January 2024. The week will include a range of workshops, activities, classes and a market all focused on wellbeing. Keep an eye on the Harrogate BID social channels for more information coming soon.
I would also like to introduce the newest member of the BID team, Ed Horner who has joined the BID as PR and Communications Officer. We are happy to welcome Ed to the team and he is looking forward to working alongside the BID team, Board and Members to deliver the term two business plan.
There is just under a month to go until Harrogate BIDs AGM, held on Thursday 18th January from 5pm at Foundry Project. It is set to be a great opportunity to look back at the last 12-months and hear from the BID team about the exciting plans for 2024. I look forward to welcoming you there.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our members for your support this year, and to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Yours sincerely
Dan
Dan Siddle
BID Chair
Christmas Round Up
It’s been another popular Christmas period in Harrogate! From the Christmas Fayre and the ice rink to the Father Christmas Experience and Candy Cane Express, a whole host of festive activities have drawn in hundreds of thousands of people into the town centre. Figures from the data firm HUQ, which is now working with Harrogate BID, shows that the launch of the Christmas Fayre on Friday December 1st was the busiest day in the last 6 months, with a total of 126,522 passing through the BID area throughout the day. Find out more about the positive impact of Christmas and the BID’s work with HUQ in our story here.
Christmas Window Success
The winners of this year’s Harrogate Christmas Shop Window competition, sponsored by Harrogate BID, were revealed in early December – with very high standards set after a record number of entries. Following the judging from members of the Rotary Club on Harrogate, the overall winner was The Yorkshire Soap Company, also claiming the title in the Medium Shop category. Bettys Café Tea Rooms was the Large shop category winner, while Sophie Likes was the Small Shop winner.
Harrogate Self Care Week
Harrogate BID is proud to launch the first ever Harrogate Self Care Week with a programme of free events to boost your health and wellbeing at the start of the new year. Running from January 22nd to 27th next year, a range of self care workshops, activities, classes, as well as a themed market, will help you to work on your mind, body and soul following a busy Christmas and New Year period.
Read more here and find the full schedule here, more to be added!
Harrogate BID AGM
The Harrogate BID Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held from 5pm on Thursday January 18th 2024 at The Foundry Project. During the meeting, there will be a presentation to hear about the projects and activities delivered in 2023, as well as the future plans for 2024. If you would like to attend, please follow this link to register.
Former Journalist Joins Harrogate BID Team in New Role
The Harrogate BID Team are very pleased to welcome Ed Horner into a new role as PR and Communications Officer. Ed is a former journalist at The Press newspaper in York and he has been appointed to lead on the BID’s communications, a strategic approach around data, analytics and research, as well as offering support on projects, campaigns and events.