Shop Local and Enjoy Free Parking in Hatfield Town Centre on Saturday 16 December

The free parking day is part of a series of initiatives that WHBC has launched to revitalise Hatfield Town Centre and make it a more vibrant place for residents and visitors. In addition to the free parking, WHBC has partnered with Love Hatfield, a non-profit charity, to organise activities throughout the day to create a festive atmosphere and promote local shopping. These include:

• Goodie-bag giveaway: Love Hatfield will be giving a limited number of goodie-bags away suitable for both children and adults! Visit their stall in White Lion Square to grab a bag filled with treats and surprises.
   
• Photo opportunity with Santa: Santa’s Sleigh is being prepared for Christmas, but he’s still found time to come to Hatfield in his Porsche! Get a picture with him and upload it to your social media channels using #ShopWelwynHatfield for a chance to win a Lego sleigh set.
   
• Somewhere to Sing Choir: The local choir will be performing a selection of Christmas songs and carols at 11:00 am in White Lion Square to spread some cheer and joy.
   
• Hatfield Library Story Time and crafting event: Children and families are invited to join the library staff for a fun and interactive story time session from 11:15 am to 11:45 am, followed by a crafting event from 12 pm to 1 pm, where they can make their own Christmas decorations and cards.
   
• Hatfield Market: The market will be open from 9 am to 4 pm, offering a variety of goods and services from local traders and vendors.
   
• Christmas Shop Window Display Competition: The competition is on-going until 19 December, where shoppers can vote for their favourite festive window display among the participating businesses.The winner will receive a trophy and certificate.

Local businesses joining in the festivities include The Glam Lodge, The Family Jewellers, Calamity Comics, Bronze Babes and Jo’s Hair Salon who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect Christmas gifts or vouchers.

Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member for Environment, said: “We are committed to supporting our local businesses and traders and are delighted to offer free parking in Hatfield Town Centre as a way of thanking our residents and visitors for their loyalty throughout the year. We hope that this will encourage more people to shop local and enjoy the festive activities that we have planned for the day. We also want to recognise the amazing work that Love Hatfield has done to improve the town and its community. We are grateful for their partnership and collaboration.”

WHBC invites everyone to join them for the Hatfield Town Centre Free Parking Day on Saturday 16 December and share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #ShopWelwynHatfield.