Oakengates fun day kicks off summer celebration events
A day of family fun is taking place in Oakengates this weekend - the first in a series of high street celebration events in the town.
Dancing grannies, face painters, bouncy castles, mascots and chalk artists will all be part of the event on Saturday 23 May (10am-3pm), organised by Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme.
The event has been sponsored through Morris Property’s social value fund - the contractor which has completed the renovation of retail units on Limes Walk in the town as part of the Council’s Theatre Quarter project.
This programme of high‑street‑focused celebrations is being delivered to increase footfall to Oakengates, support local traders and encourage community use of the town centre.
On the day, entertainers will encourage visitors into shops and businesses will have the opportunity to promote their range of special offers to entice people in.
The Oakengates Theatre Quarter project has regenerated Oakengates town centre, transforming the 1960’s shopping precinct into a modern, welcoming shopping experience for residents and visitors.
Other events are planned for Saturday 8 August and Saturday 15 August, which will both feature a children’s summer trail starting at the new Oakengates Library on Limes Walk and running across Market Street, Limes Walk and New Street.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said: “These events aim to drive footfall to Oakengates town centre and celebrate our high street businesses during this period of regeneration in the town.
“We encourage families, residents and visitors to come along and see what Oakengates has to offer and join in all the fun activities at the same time.
“This event is the first of three in Oakengates this summer and we want them all to create a real buzz in the town.
“We’re delighted that Morris Property is sponsoring the events as part of its social value programme.
“We remain committed to supporting businesses through our Pride in Our High Street programme and encourage people to continue to shop local and support businesses on their doorstep.”
Social value measures the broader economic, social and environmental benefits that an organisation or project brings to a community which looks beyond financial costs.
James West, Chief Operating Officer for Morris Property, said: “We are proud to play a part in bringing the community together for this first family fun day in Oakengates.
“It’s a great reward for the team to see the regenerated space come to life and to know we are helping contribute to a vibrant, welcoming town centre for the future.”
