Christmas is just around the corner, and walking around Harrogate town centre you can’t help but feel the excitement in the air.

The town looks fantastic, and I’m very proud of the part Harrogate BID has played in making our town a winter wonderland and a must-visit destination for shoppers and revellers alike.

And I’m delighted to say there’s more to come!

However, we must strike a ‘Covid’ note of caution. Whilst the wearing of masks in shops and on public transport is now compulsory, the message we are conveying is town is very much open. But please do all you can to help prevent the spread of the disease.

We are now putting the finishing touches to next year’s exciting plans, and will be sharing some of these with you in next month’s newsletter.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do get in touch via email, at info@harrogatebid.co.uk

Yours sincerelySara Ferguson
BID Chair
Harrogate BID gives shoppers an early Christmas present

Harrogate’s Christmas shoppers are being given an early present, courtesy of the town’s BID.

Starting this week – and running right up to Thursday, December 23 – the Business Improvement District is providing free parking after 3pm in the town’s Victoria Car Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This move is designed to support Harrogate’s retail and hospitality sectors during the traditionally quieter days of the week, by encouraging shoppers and revellers – from the local area and further afield – to shop, eat and drink in the town during the run up to Christmas.

Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman said: “Free parking in the run up to Christmas is what the town’s retailers have asked for, and I’m delighted to say it’s what we are now giving, four days a week, right up to the Thursday before Christmas.

Read the full story here: 
Face masks to be worn in shops and on public transport

New Covid regulations have come into effect today (Tuesday, November 30), making it mandatory, unless medically exempt, to wear masks in shops and on public transport.

We are asking visitors to Harrogate town centre to abide by the rules, which are designed to keep staff and customers safe.

We still have a number of ‘social distancing’ floor stickers left, and if you would like some please mail us at info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Naughty Elf is back

The ‘naughty elf’ is back – and this time he’s helping raise money for Harrogate Hospital and Community Charity.

Thanks to Ison Harrison solicitors, he’s found a Festive home on the ground floor of the Victoria Shopping Centre, and will be in situ until the New Year.

And instead of causing havoc around the town, he’s hoping to do some good for by encouraging passing shoppers to throw loose change into his money bag.
Game over – temporarily – for Harrogate Ping Pong Parlour

Harrogate Ping Pong Parlour is now closed for the festive period, and we’d like to thank everyone who has come along over the last three months for a game or two.

We hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have!

But despair not, it will be back in the New Year!

A huge thank you to all businesses who have paid their levy, which has enabled us to deliver this year’s programme of Festive activities.

Without this funding it would be a very different and dull December. There would be no Christmas Lights, free parking, Christmas atttractions, North Pole Post Office or Father Christmas Experience.
Lights. Santa. Action!

Harrogate’s Christmas offering is well under way with lights, Father Christmas Experience, helter skelter, Victorian Carousel and Big Wheel all adding to this year’s seasonal feel and festive appeal.

Harrogate BID has come together with Visit Harrogate and Harrogate Borough Council to make the town ‘Destination Christmas’.

With the Christmas Market starting this Friday (December 3) and a road train snaking its way around town centre streets, there’s even more reasons to pop into Harrogate this December to shop, eat and drink.

Harrogate BID Chair Sara Ferguson said: “I’m delighted to say this year’s display covers a greater area than last year’s, and we have been able to include Commercial Street and Princes Square. We have even illuminated the crown on the Crown Roundabout, and it looks fantastic.

“And back for a second year is the giant Christmas present near Betty’s, and the programmable and multi-coloured tunnel on the piazza in front of Victoria Shopping Centre.

“Together with the Christmas market, the Christmas Shop Window competition, the North Pole Post Office, Harrogate really is a must-visit destination this Festive season, not once, but on many occasions.”
Join us for a Festive drink at our December BID Club

Our December BID Club, taking place on Tuesday, December 7, is being held in conjunction with this year’s Christmas Window Competition Awards ceremony.

So why not pop down to the Yorkshire Hotel, Prospect Place, between 5.30pm and 7pm, and join us for a Festive Drink and to see who this year’s winners are.

Please reserve your place by emailing info@harrogatebid.co.uk
Harrogate Gift Card – The perfect staff Christmas Present

Stuck for ideas as to what present to give to your staff this Christmas, then why not treat them to a Harrogate Gift Card?

Redeemable in more than 90 town centre shops, bars and hotels, further information can be found here:
Your ideas welcomed

We are always keen to hear from our Levy Payers and Members, particularly if they have ideas and suggestions which will benefit the town centre environment for residents, visitors, employers and employees alike.

Please contact us on info@harrogatebid.co.uk