IT’S A WINTER FUN-DERLAND
Town centre festival is a massive success
Paisley’s first ever WinterFest has been bringing festive cheer – and more customers – to town centre businesses this Christmas, according to bosses.
Many retailers in the town have reported an increase in footfall to the town during the Christmas spectacular, which runs in Paisley until Christmas Eve.
Visitors to WinterFest, which is the brainchild of business regeneration group Paisley First, have been making the most of the outdoor ice rink, panoramic Star Flyer, Santa’s reindeer and a carousel along with other rides and attractions in the town centre since November 24.
Paisley First also held a free festive Nutcracker Trail, which ended at the weekend.
Ian Henderson, chairman of Paisley First, said: “It’s been great to see the town centre busy in the run up to Christmas, especially with families at the weekends.
“Lots of families are coming into Paisley to enjoy all the entertainment that WinterFest has to offer and rediscovering our great shops and fantastic eateries.
“So not only can you have a fun day out in Paisley, but cross off your Christmas shopping list too.”
Joe Bisland owns the White Cart Company in St Mirren Street and was one of 10 town centre businesses to host a Nutcracker king.
“As a relatively new business in the town centre, taking part in the Nutcracker Trail really increased our profile and introduced new visitors to the shop,” he said.
“It was a great activity for all the family to enjoy, and many people mentioned that they had been to parts of the town centre that they hadn’t visited for years.
“I think that WinterFest and the Nutcracker Trail have both been a great success as they have definitely been responsible for bringing more people to the town centre in the run up to Christmas.”
Elaine Fairfull, of Fairfull’s Cafe in the High Street, agreed with Joe.
She said: “There’s been a real buzz about the town centre this Christmas.
“I think WinterFest has certainly attracted more people to the town and the great festive atmosphere has made for a terrific day out.
“Hopefully, some of these new visitors will return to Paisley in the New Year now they have seen all the great things happening in the town.”