Park and ride plan to ease congestion at Xmas market

AN award-winning coach firm is joining forces with the organisers of Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market to offer easy access into the town centre during the seasonal event.

The festive extravaganza will be returning to the popular tourist destination on Friday, December 6, Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 when an influx of visitors is expected.

Now in its third year, the event is a huge hit as the number of people that have turned out has increased year-on-year from around 58,000 visitors in 2017 to more than 102,000 last year.

To ease congestion and parking, Stratford-onAvon District Council, Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council and LSD Promotions is working with Stratford-based family-run firm Johnsons

Coaches. They will be operating a park and ride scheme on Sunday, December 8 from the Bishopton Park and Ride terminal to Rother Street in the town centre.

The park and ride will be running between 9am and 7pm and journeys are completely free, but drivers will have to pay the usual parking charge.

Lauren Davies, Marketing Manager at Johnsons Coaches, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Stratford’s Victorian Christmas Market once again!

“After last year’s success, we hope this park and ride service will allow visitors to enjoy the festivities without congestion and have an enjoyable weekend.”

There will be around 300 stalls selling a whole host of products perfect for the Christmas season or as presents for loved ones and the reindeers that were so popular last year will be coming back once again.

Entertainment will be hosted throughout the town, and there will be a stage in Henley Street hosting an array of performances for all the family to enjoy.

A traditional funfair, which will include a carousel, will be situated at the bottom of Wood Street and on the Rother Street market area.

This year will see the introduction of a Community Craft Fair located in the Town Hall on Sheep Street.

A selection of refreshments will be on sale and entertainment will also be provided during the weekend.

The Christmas market will be located on Waterside, Bridge Street, Henley Street, High Street and Meer Street.

The market will be open between 11am and 8pm on Friday, December 6, 10am until 8pm on Saturday, December 7 and 10am until 5pm on Sunday, December 8.