BID Awards – A Night To Remember
The first Cheltenham BID Awards were a great success at one of our newest venues, The Old Courthouse.
The diversity of the businesses within the BID zone was shown in the winners. Across 10 categories, they included three restaurants, a bar, a menswear shop, a bath and body products shop, a podiatrist, a tattoo studio, a direct debit service and a designer kitchen shop.
The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for Chun Kong, of The Mayflower Restaurant, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for the huge contribution he has made to Cheltenham charities and organisations for more than 35 years. His award was presented by the Deputy Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Bernard Fisher.
Another 13 businesses and individuals were highly commended for their contributions over the last year.
Launch Of Cheltenham Beauty Week
More than 1,500 people attended the launch of Cheltenham Beauty Week in Regent Arcade. The event was set up to promote the week, which runs from April 21st to 28th, at businesses across Cheltenham.
A team from Hatherley Manor Hotel Spa completed 100 treatments during the day. Other participants were House of Fraser, who gave free makeovers, Martin & Phelps (wet shaves) and Monrose, who created 1940’s hairstyles with Victory Rolls.
Spectacular Spark! launch Light Up Cheltenham
Crowds were enthralled by spectacular street theatre drumming group Spark! as Cheltenham BID’s new event Light Up Cheltenham was launched. Spark! played at The Brewery Quarter, the Promenade and the Quadrangle on Saturday evening. As the drummers played, the new floodlights came on for the first time at The Municipal Offices, the Queens Hotel, Boots, the Brewery Quarter and the Town Hall. Martin & Co, The Bank House, HSBC, United Services Club, Moo Moo and Fever nightclubs and three buildings in the Promenade, 131, Knight Frank and Cotswold Transport Planning are all lit in either magenta or cyan. Another highlight will be on Wednesday when the main buildings turn red for Valentine’s Day.
Cheltenham’s Independents Sale
Cheltenham’s independent retailers took part in a successful sale organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID). Around 550 shoppers snapped up the bargains at Cheltenham’s Independents Sale at Princess Hall in Cheltenham Ladies College on Sunday. Women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, lingerie and jewellery were all on offer.
The businesses who took part were: Beards, Bodega, Boutique 3, James of Montpellier, Keith Scarrott Shoes, Sandra Dee and The Union Project. Customers were also able to add a little sparkle to their Sunday at The Cotswold Prosecco Company’s tuk tuk. Photography credit – Mikal Ludlow.
Shops dress for success – 10 finalists
Businesses of all kinds were encouraged to enter by using the hashtag #festivefacade on social media and there was a great response. The winner of the BID’s competition was gift shop Vinegar Hill on The Promenade. Judges were impressed by their winter scene featuring polar bears skating, sledging and generally having fun in the snow. Hotel Chocolat and jewellers Martin & Co were also commended for their displays in the competition . The other finalists were: Cath Kidston, James of Montpellier, Laura Leigh Hair & Beauty, Monrose, Neal’s Yard Remedies, Pia and White Stuff. Photography credit to Mikal Cudlow.
Street Chilli Fiesta is hot, hot, hot
Cheltenham’s first Street Chilli Fiesta was hailed a huge success.
Crowds flocked to Cambray Place for the event, organised by Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID).
The highlight was the “Clash of the Titans” chilli eating contest, which saw 12 competitors out to prove they could handle the hottest chillis.
Amy Dagger, of Tibberton, near Gloucester, saw off the competition to be hailed the winner.
There were a wide range of stalls offering everything from chilli sauces to chilli art.
