MORE than 1,000 people flocked to the Top of The Town in Basingstoke as the area played host to two special events aimed at boosting local businesses.

Families got into the festive spirit and were entertained by a range of fun activities at the Top of The Town Christmas event last Friday evening.

The event, organised by Destination Basingstoke on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, saw the Basingstoke Area Junior Choir with the Four Lanes Community Junior Choir kick off proceedings with a selection of Christmas carols, including a performance of Silent Night in English and German to mark the famous Christmas truce in the trenches during the First World War.

Other highlights of the evening included performances by the Lynden School of Dance, Basingstoke Rock Choir and Salvation Army brass band.

Children had fun following a Christmas trail by finding clues in a number of shops in order to spell out a festive word and get a treat.

They also met Father Christmas at his grotto in Aspiral, in Church Street, to collect an eco-gift which was supplied by the leading Basingstoke Autoplaza car dealership in return for a donation to The Rotary Club of Basingstoke Loddon.

Adults were able to indulge in some festive retail therapy as small businesses in Basingstoke’s historic heart kept their shops open late into the evening to encourage more shoppers.

Felicity Edwards, managing director of Destination Basingstoke, said: “It was fantastic to see the Top of The Town buzzing with life and festive cheer.

“It was great that so many businesses got involved to make it a success and helped us to showcase the Top of The Town and all it has to offer. A huge thank-you goes to all the businesses and groups involved.”

On Saturday, shoppers came back to the Top of The Town to support Small Business Saturday.

The nationwide campaign aims to recognise the value of small businesses and encourages people to shop local and support small businesses and retailers.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner and Tricia Gardiner, borough Cabinet member for the Town Centre Programme, Cllr Terri Reid, and Basingstoke MP Maria Miller met with Tim Colman and Laurence Martin, from the Federation of Small Businesses, who presented an award for the council’s work to support small businesses in the town.

Cllr Reid said: “The Christmas event was a great success and gave many people a perfect opportunity to explore the Top of The Town and see what some of the more local, independent businesses in the town have to offer.

“Events like this are just one of the many ways the Basingstoke Town Centre Programme is helping to improve the area and make it a more attractive shopping and leisure destination.”

All the pictures taken at this event can be viewed and purchased by going to the photosales section of our website at basingstokegazette.co.uk.