Free parking for late-night Christmas shopping in Cheltenham

The council is supporting shopping locally, offering free parking in two of its public car parks each Thursday from 1 December to Thursday 22 December.

Parking will be free of charge after 5pm at the multi storey Town Centre East and open surface Chelt Walk car parks.

Cheltenham’s town centre retail outlets including the Cheltenham Christmas Market are offering a tempting range of gift ideas, delicious food and drink offers, and this Thursday 1 December sees Montpellier play host to a festive event with mulled wine, mince pies, late night shopping and free festive musical entertainment.

Cllr Max Wilkinson, cabinet member for economic development, culture, tourism and wellbeing, said: “Local shopkeepers have asked what we could do to support the local economy this Christmas and it’s only right that we do what we can to help. This limited free parking offer will coincide with plenty of fun activities during the Christmas shopping period.

“I hope visitors to the town centre will also support our local hospitality industry by popping in for food and drink at local pubs, bars and cafes.’’

Belinda Hunt, operations manager at Cheltenham BID, continued: “Christmas is such an import time of the year for the retail and hospitality sector, and everyone is feeling the squeeze right now. We anticipate that a lot of people will be happy to take advantage of this offer and come and support the local businesses.”

For more details on Christmas in Cheltenham visit: www.visitcheltenham.com/christmas and for information about alternative transport options to the town centre, including parking, visit www.cheltenham.gov.uk/parking.

For media enquiries, contact: communications, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected].

 Cheltenham Christmas Market opening times can be found at www.visitcheltenham.com