After a turbulent year, the residents of Woodbridge will be hoping that the festive season will spark some of the local magic they are used to seeing year-round. With businesses and spirits in need of a lift, James Lightfoot, chairmanof Choose Woodbridge, explains why this Christmas may truly be the most wonderful time of the year:
Last month, we commended our local people and businesses for their resilience and we believed in it once more throughout the second national lockdown. After the phrase ‘circuit-breaker’ was bandied about, there was a belief that this lockdown would allow us to enjoy a Christmas closer to last year’s than we previously could have hoped for.
With the excitement of being surrounded by loved ones at the dining table comes the magic of its preparation; gift shopping, browsing festive displays and stocking up on indulgent foods are the hallmarks of a cracking Christmas. There are few places that offer a more captivating and comprehensive Christmas experience than our wonderful town of Woodbridge.
Festive displays don the alluring arch of the Thoroughfare and shop windows come to life late afternoon with Barretts of Woodbridge and The Attic & Wardrobe cutting their curtains in October to spread some early cheer. Takeaway coffees and hot chocolates are on offer from the newly renovated Cake Shop Bakery, helping locals combat frosty breath as they enjoy the scenery. With homemade mince pies from Honey + Harvey adding sustenance to the stomachs of gift-getters, and gifts from Amore and Happiness At Home adding ticks to their lists, there truly is a pitstop for every part of locals’ Christmas preparation in Woodbridge.
This Christmas it is more important than ever before so we actively make use of Woodbridge’s independent stores in the run-up to the big day. The pandemic has hit small and independent businesses hard. With their usual spirit and eagerness, our local businesses will be keen to bounce back in December and it is the duty of local people to ensure that their efforts are not in vain. So, whenever you can, we urge you to add a visit to Woodbridge’s merry myriad of merchants to your Christmas planning, not just for the enthralling experience but for the good of your community.
Avoid frantic retail parks and traffic jams into towns by opting for a stroll into the safe and spirited town on your doorstep. Your efforts will not go unnoticed.
Learn more about Choose Woodbridge’s work in supporting Woodbridge’s
businesses on their website at www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk or by
following them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.