A RANGE of independent businesses in Northwich are taking part in a national initiative this month to encourage people to shop local and support the local high street.

Fiver Fest, which is organised by Totally Locally, runs from October 10 to 24, and sees businesses offering products and services for just £5 to say thank you to the communities that support them.

Northwich joins more than 100 other towns across the UK taking part in this month’s Fiver Fest, with Totally Locally partnering up with Visa to encourage greater participation.

The campaign centres on the importance of supporting local businesses and spending money in independents, with Totally Locally research showing if every adult in the UK spent £5 per week in their local shops and businesses, instead of online or with multi-nationals, it would be worth £13.5 billion going directly into towns.

The SalthouseNW, The BullringNW, Northwich Vapour, Vinnies, Gwen’s Bridal and Sewing Sew, Weigh of the World, Bruschetta, Omnia, Williamsons Bakery, Sew Easy and Obeid Galleries & Events have already signed up to take part in Northwich, with more businesses set to join in over the two-week campaign.

Business Improvement District Programme Manager Jane Hough is delighted businesses in Northwich are getting involved with the campaign, and hopes people visit the high street to take advantage of the Fiver Fest offers.

She said: “It’s great to see businesses in Northwich joining in with Fiver Fest to offer some fantastic deals, especially when they have all had a challenging year.

“Local independent businesses are the lifeblood of the community, and Northwich wouldn’t have anywhere near as diverse an offering as it does without them all.

“Their value and importance has been there for all to see over the last few months especially, and this campaign is a great way to shine a spotlight on the fantastic work they do and the unique products and services they offer.

“Shopping local and supporting local businesses will be crucial in protecting the future of the high street, so I would urge people to come and see what Fiver Fest is all about and to take advantage of the great deals that our shops, retailers and organisations are running.”

Further details of the campaign, including a full list of businesses taking part, can be found on the Visit Northwich website visitnorthwich.co.uk/fiver-fest/

Fiver Fest offers will also be shared on the Visit Northwich Facebook page facebook.com/visitnorthwich/