Horsham District Council’s ‘Buy Local, Gift Happy’ campaign is going from strength to strength this year, adding even more festive events to the District’s Christmas calendar spreading festive cheer in support of local businesses.
Commenting on the range of events, Cllr Jonathan Chowen, Leader of Horsham District Council and Cabinet Member for the Local Economy said:
There is still time to ‘Buy Local, Gift Happy’ to support our wonderful local businesses and a circular economy this Christmas. With a fantastic range of festive activities for all ages and lots of opportunities to purchase gifts locally as we approach the Christmas holidays, please do get involved and explore what is on offer across the District.
Here are just some of the additional events on offer.
Christmas Story Trails – Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Steyning and Storrington high streets
- Launching in Billingshurst (from 5 December), Henfield (from 12 December), Horsham (from 17 December), Steyning (from 21 November) and Storrington (from 1 December) high streets.
- Following the success of the Halloween-themed trails in October, High Street Safari and local community partners are back with free, festive-themed trails for children which can be completed on a smartphone. A set of 10 Christmas presents have gone missing and the trail’s team of heroes, The Luminauts, are asking young recruits to track down the presents, answer riddles and release the Christmas imps from inside. Players decide what happens at each step of the story and there is no need to register or download an app. These interactive digital story trails are a great opportunity to explore local high streets and pick up some Christmas gifts.
Find out more about the Christmas Story Trails
Pulborough Late Night Shopping Event – Lower Street, Pulborough
- Thursday 15 December, 5pm – 8.30pm
- Pulborough Community Partnership are holding a Late Night Shopping event in Pulborough. Spread some festive cheer by singing along to some Christmas carols. If you are looking for that perfect present for Christmas, there will be plenty of opportunity to ‘Buy Local, Gift Happy’ from local shops and stallholders who will be open late. Local business, The Little Bean Café, will also be serving some delicious treats and drinks for you to enjoy.
Find out more about Pulborough Late Night Shopping
Billingshurst Artisan Market Christmas Market - The Six Bells Car Park, Billingshurst
- Sunday 18 December, 9.30am – 1.30pm
- The Great Little Farmers Market are bringing you a special festive version of their new monthly artisan market in Billingshurst this Christmas. Visit the December market to explore some of the best local food and produce and support a range of local stall holders who are passionate about their products. Expect local gifts, cakes, doughnuts, crafts, gin and more.
Find out more about Billingshurst Artisan Market
Horsham District Mystery Trails - Billingshurst, Henfield, Horsham, Pulborough, Southwater, Steyning and Storrington
Available now until March 2023
Horsham District Council has been working with Whistlestop Arts to create seven different trails for you to choose from and enjoy. The popular Mystery Trails are a fantastic free activity for friends and families of all ages. These fun, immersive outdoor ‘escape rooms’ are a great opportunity to visit our wonderful local towns and purchase some festive gifts whilst you are there. There is still time to complete them and would be the perfect activity for the Christmas holidays. Pick up a trail map from your local library to get started.
Find out more about the Mystery Trails
If you’ve attended one or more of these activities, are buying your gifts locally this Christmas, or are a business taking part in the campaign, let us know by tagging us in your festive photos using the hashtag #BuyLocalGiftHappy.
As part of the Buy Local Gift Happy campaign, organisers of Christmas events and initiatives were invited to adopt the campaign’s branding in return for financial support from the Council towards marketing costs and promotions. All with the aim of spreading the ‘buy local’ message and promoting the advantages of a circular economy for our local businesses and the environment.