The Comedy Hullabaloo 2013 sees the launch of a new comedy festi val in Stratf ord- Upon - Avon as part of the Stratf ord - Upon - Avon Arts Festi val (stratf orduponavonartsfesti val.co.uk). The Comedy Hullabaloo will take place over the late May bank holiday weekend (23rd-26th May) and will be a multi – venue, 4 day stand-up comedy event set in picturesque riverside venue’s of the town.

The Comedy Hullabaloo will be produced by London based entertainment company Underbelly in associati on with the RSC and Stratf orward and will be the fi rst event Underbelly have produced in this area. Their festi val events of 2012 in London and Edinburgh att racted in the region of 1.5 million visitors between them.

The Comedy Hullabaloo line-up will feature some of the top names from the UK comedy circuit including Al Murray, Ed Byrne, Milton Jones, Chris Addison, Mark Watson, Mark Thomas and many more.

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newsletter Dear Bid member Time marches on and we are already over 2 months into the year!

I was delighted to att end the launch of the Comedy Hullabaloo event at the RSC late last month and all at Stratf orward are hugely excited by our acti ve involvement in something which we feel will take the Arts Festi val to an enti rely new level.

We are also gearing up for our major events campaign, which starts with the Fashion Show in April, Festi val of Motoring in May, Arts Festi val which fi nishes in early June and onto The River Festi val in July.

There is so much going on and we are really excited to be playing our part at the forefront of some excellent projects in our fabulous town.

I hope you enjoy the newslett er and that the following arti cles give you a fl avour of the wide range of acti viti es we are currently involved in.

As ever, please get in touch if you would like to discuss any issue personally with me.

Chris Gregory

Stratf orward Project Director

Footfall Statistics As you are probably aware, Stratf orward have automated pedestrian footf all counters in the town and the following shows the results for the year to date.

Month

January

February

Footf all

-10.7%

-15%

The above results indicate a year on year decrease in footf all of -12.8% compared to 2012.

Street Furniture Painting Stratf orward have commissioned Warwickshire Probati on Service to repaint bollards, lamp columns, sign poles and equipment boxes in High Street, Henley Street, Wood Street, Meer Street, Bridge Street and Sheep Street as part of a pilot which we are hoping to roll out across the town. The works are due to be completed in ti me for the summer months.

Festival Of Motoring Since its announcement just before Christmas the Stratf ord Festi val of Motoring has received a lot of interest from all across the country with entries from as far a fi eld as Cornwall, Kent, Lancashire and County Durham and one from Germany!

Entries include a wide range of vehicles from a 1923 Rolls Royce 20HP to a 2009 Porsche GT3 with a number of rariti es including a 1928 Hadfi eld Bean, a couple of Austi n 7s, a replica of the 1955 le Mans winning Jaguar D-Type, a works Rally Austi n Healey 3000 and an MEV Rocket!

For those that don’t have an interesti ng car of their own there will also be plenty to see with the Sporti ng Bears taking members of the public out for ‘Dream Rides’ in a range of cars, raising money for the local charity – the Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Much Ado About Toys will be racing radio controlled model cars.

We are also encouraging any Stratf ord restaurants to put on an off er for all parti cipati ng exhibitors at the Festi val so please contact the Stratf orward offi ces if you feel you are able to do this.

Marketing & Communications The Stratf orward Board recently approved 2013/14’s marketi ng plan. Below is a brief snapshot of key acti viti es:

-Spring and Autumn Up On Style Campaign showcasing the town’s comprehensive fashion and beauty off er.

-More of our well-received “Love your Local” campaign, showcasing the very best in Stratf ord indies.

-The launch of the summer “Up On Food” campaign highlighti ng the town’s rich culinary off er.

-And of course, our major campaign of the year, Christmas-Upon-Avon designed to drive trade during this crucial trading period.

-A great selecti on of festi vals and events including the all-new Festi val of Motoring, the expanded Festi val of Arts, the ever popular River Festi val and the town centre element of September’s dual-site Food Festi val.

Date/s Event Lead organiser

Regular Town Walk, Ghost Walk & River Cruises Stratford Town Walk

Regular Retail, Antique, Farmers’ & Specialist markets Geraud Markets

Regular Theatre, activities & productions Royal Shakespeare Company

February 10th Stratford Wedding Show Stratforward

April 20th& 21st Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations Birthday Celebrations Group

April 21st– 5th May Stratford Literary Festival Stratford Literary Festival

April 25th Stratford Fashion Show Stratforward

April 28th Stratford Marathon & Half Marathon Stratford Rotary Club

May 5th& 6th Stratford Festival of Motoring Stratforward

May 24th, June 14th & 21st June Orchestra of the Swan Spring Sounds Orchestra of the Swan

May Stratford Cycling Festival Cyclists Fighting Cancer

May 24th– June 2nd Stratford Arts Festival Stratforward

June 14th & 15th Shakespeare Beer Festival Shakespeare CAMRA

June 30th-August 4th Poetry Festival Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

June 15th Boat Club Regatta Stratford Boat Club

June 23rd Raft Race Shakespeare & Wellesbourne Lions

July 6th& 7th River Festival Stratforward

July Stratford Carnival Shakespeare Hospice

July Stratford Games Stratford District Council

July 23rd & 24th Crafty Beats event Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Aug & September Music in the Garden Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

September 1st Stratford Wedding Show Stratforward

September 8th Stratford’s Big 10K Threshold Events

September 14th & 15th Stratford Food Festival Stratforward

October Halloween Festival Seek the Magic Organisation

October Business Expo Stratford Business Forum

October 6th - 21st Shakespeare Film Festival Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

October 12th Mop Fair Stratford District Council

October 13th– 21st Stratford Music Festival Stratford Music Festival

November Christmas lights switch-on Town Council

December Christmas events programme Stratforward

Fashion Show Following a recent meeti ng with retailers, Stratf orward have decided to alter the format of The Fashion Show this year and it will now take place on Thursday 25th April from 7.30pm at The Town Hall. We plan shows from up to 12 Town Centre fashion retailers which will be watched by over 100 guests. If you are a retailer who is keen to parti cipate or a hair/beauty business who could help with preparing our models, then please contact Kate at the Stratf orward offi ces on 01789 299011 or via Kati e@stratf orward.co.uk.

Shakespeare’s Lunch As part of the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrati ons this year, all town centre eateries are urged to consider putti ng on a special menu to link to the theme on Saturday 20th April. We therefore hope that as many venues as possible will parti cipate by providing an off er to appeal to every pallet and pocket. This could be an elaborate aff air in one of our presti gious hotels, or something as simple as the “Bards Bap” or a “Shakespeare Sarnie” from a coff ee shop or pub. We are hoping that every establishment taking part will fl y balloons in the Shakespeare colours, gold and black, so the public can easily identi fy parti cipati ng venues. For further details, please contact Kate at the Stratf orward offi ces.

2013 Events The following events are planned for 2013 although please note that these details are subject to change so check before each event that the details are correct.

10/11 Sheep Street Wildwood Kitchen has just re-opened aft er refurbishment on Sheep Street in the site of the old Café Pasta restaurant. Many of the Café Pasta classic dishes remain on the menu with some additi ons such as their signature Tart of the Day and a Mediterranean platt er.

Wildwood Kitchen off ers regular changing seasonal specials, and our atmosphere is in-formal and friendly. The restaurant welcomes shoppers and theatre goers alike in search of aff ordable, freshly made cuisine and ingredients. Able to accommodate both large and small parti es with the newly refurbished conservatory room. Private functi ons with be-spoke menus and tailored service and entertainment are also on the menu at Wildwood Kitchen.

Patrick, Olga and the team look forward to welcoming you in the coming weeks. For more informati on Tel: 01789 262910

Shakespeare’s England Stratf orward are delighted that the recently formed Desti nati on Management Organisati on has been named Shakespeare’s England and that we conti nue to play a key role in developing the new organisati on. Shakespeare’s England has just fi nished working with the nati onal tourist board, Visit England, on a new multi channel, two week marketi ng campaign designed to boost domesti c tourism in 2013 by highlighti ng Stratf ord - Upon - Avon as a romanti c heritage desti nati on.

The campaign supported by Stratf ord-On-Avon District Council, encouraged visitors to experience the bouti que accommodati on, quality restaurants, indulgent acti viti es and soak up the unique atmosphere that Stratf ord - Upon - Avon off ers as a perfect romanti c getaway.

The promoti on ran in The Guardian, Mail on Sunday and Classic FM. This campaign was fi rst of many and if you are interested in getti ng involved in future campaigns or becoming a partner in the organisati on, please contact Robin Tjolle robin@shakespeares-england.co.uk or follow twitt er @ShakespearesEng.

Bardwatch Night Tuesday 9th April 2013@ 3pm– Bamboodle

Bardwatch DayThursday 11th April 2013 @ 12pm– Falcon Hotel

WRCI LTD: All the above meeti ngs are att ended by WRCI and portf olios are updated monthly for Night and quarterly for Day. It is therefore essenti al that Incident Forms are submitt ed to Bard Watch inbox prior to each meeti ng. Please send to bardwatch@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk.

DIGITAL UPGRADE: THERE ARE STILL A NUMBER OF NEW RADIO ORDER FORMS OUTSTANDING– Please contact Town Hosts or Servicom if you have any questi ons. NB: The current analogue system will conti nue unti l 1st April.

WRCI Dayti me quarterly portf olio updates will be delivered shortly.

Your Town Hosts Forthcoming Events: Opportuniti es for Member Parti cipati on 25th April Fashion Show: Hosts are currently distributi ng a lett er to all fashion retailers outlining the details. If you are not parti cipati ng in the show but if you would like to promote your business via content in the Goody Bag, please contact Town Hosts to arrange a business visit. Last year a fabulous VIP bag was given to 100 att endees and really showcased all that we have to off er in our town centre.

5th and 6th May: Stratf ord Festi val of Motoring There has been a terrifi c response already from cars, companies and the general public to take part in this exciti ng brand new festi val. There are many opportuniti es for BID Members to be-come involved; Do you want a sponsor banner (£100+VAT), or be a Volunteer Marshall (refreshments on the day provided) or link in with the Food and Drink off er. If you wish to discuss any of these or indeed have any other ideas please speak with the project director, Adrian Grubb via the host offi ce on 01789 268291.

Stratf ord Clean Up 2013 8th April to Sunday 21st April: Many of you supported the successful town centre clean up last year. Please speak with Town Host Kelvin if you wish to parti cipate or confi rm ideas to; sam@stratf orward.co.uk. This is an extremely positi ve business community event.

BID 2 Town Hosts are already engaged in the consultati on process with members for the BID 2 BALLOT. Of parti cular importance is having the correct and current database informati on from each member and this may concern local and Head Offi ce contacts. We really do value your co-operati on with this.

Ambassador Tour Lots of you sti ll wanti ng to join this comprehensive and valuable insight into your town centre. Next date is Wednesday 17th April contact Adrian on adrian@stratf orward.co.uk.

BID 2 For Stratford As reported in previous newslett ers, following

support from businesses, Stratf orward is

working up proposals for a second-term BID

to cover the period 2014-19. The Town Hosts

are currently consulti ng businesses on an

initi al draft of the proposed Business Plan,

which has been developed following business

feedback and which will be refi ned over the

coming months.

We urge all BID levy-payers to have their say

in this process and for further details, please

contact Chris at the Stratf orward offi ces or

email chris@stratf orward.co.uk.

Find Us Please take ti me to visit our pages and “follow” and “like”

which provide a range of informati on and links to all of our websites.

@Stratf orward

www.facebook.com/Stratf orward-BID

Stratforward BID Ltd contact details Tel: 01789 292 718 Office / 01789 299 011 Events

Email: info@stratforward.co.uk www.stratforward.co.uk

VAT Registration No: 973 3688 73 Registered Office: First Floor, 10 – 11 Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6EF

Company No: 6924156

Armed Forces In The Community The Prime Minister has recently launched the MOD’s official benefit card for the MOD and Armed Forces Community; the Defence Privilege Card. The Defence Discount Service with the support of the Prime Minister and the MOD are encouraging local companies to provide a discount when a Defence Privilege Card is shown in store.

It is free to provide a discount and add your store to the map and this can be completed at: www.defencediscountservice.co.uk. Stores can also place a Defence Discount Service window sticker in their stores to help show the support.

BIG LOCAL APP STRATFORD – can help your business Stratford-on-Avon’s very own Business, Community, and Visitor

App is becoming well established within Stratford Town.

FREE to download, Big Local App provides local businesses with

a cost effective way of communicating with both local residents

and visitors through the latest mobile technology. Users can

easily access a comprehensive local Business Directory and

money saving vouchers. The App also provides local news.

Public service and community information regarding Stratford

District Council, Schools and Colleges. Also Sport & Leisure,

Cinema & Art, Local Events and Tourist attractions - all via their

mobile phones/tablets!

Promoted by Stratford District Council, Visitor Information

Centre, Shakespeare County, Stratford College, The Picture

House and independent businesses;

Stratforward recognise this new service

is a huge support and marketing tool to

local businesses who sign up for their

own mini-app ranging from little as £20

a month– with no minimum contract.

Stratford River Festival 2013

Stratford-upon-Avon will once again be hosting the extremely popular River Festival over the weekend of

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July As a BID business, we are inviting you to take part at a subsidised rate for the two days if you book before 1st April 2013.

Feedback from the BID businesses who took part was extremely positive and a number have already committed to attend again. With over 40,000 visitors expected it’s a fantastic opportunity to trade and raise awareness of your business to thousands of people at this years festival.

This year we have improved the concessionary rates with the hope that more BID businesses will take part:

Craft/General Trader – Covered Market Stall- standard rate (to non BID members) £200 inc VAT. BID members 50% Discount.

General Trader – with own stand – standard rate for 3m x 3m pitch £325. BID members 33% Discount.

Food Trader – standard rate for 3m x 3m pitch £425. BID members 33% Discount.

We are also looking for expressions of interest for 4 different alcohol concessions and will be offering BID licensed businesses 33% discount of the highest tender. Available are Pimms, Wine and Champagne. Lager, Cider and Real Ale and Cocktails and Spirits.

Take a look at the website www.stratfordriverfestival.co.uk and call Ruth at Stratforward 01789 299 011 or email ruth@stratforward.co.uk to discuss your requirements further.