October 2024
Paddington Bear Arrives in Ashby!
Everyone’s favourite bear has taken a seat in Ashby de la Zouch as part of Paddington!
Launched as part of Paddington Visits, a trail of Paddington Bear statues across the UK and Ireland to celebrate the forthcoming release of PADDINGTON IN PERU, arriving in cinemas on November 8th, Paddington took a seat on a bench in Ashby Spa WI Garden’s and was immediately embraced by the local community.
With passersby stopping for selfies, Ashby de la Zouch is one of 23 locations taking part in Paddington Visits, a trail which will see the special statues appearing in cities, towns, and beauty spots all over the UK and Ireland.
May 2024
Ashby SoapBox
"Ashby's first Soapbox Event !"
Wow, what a day! What a turn out! 40 Junior & senior soapbox teams made up of local businesses, community groups and those doing it just for fun! The event showcased some incredibly creative designs, including the Team Margot Minions & Coalville Scout Explorer Scooby Gang. The creativity awards were a difficult call for the Mayor of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council Cllr Avril Wilson.
The crowd were spurring on the teams to take to the ramp, cheering "kicker, kicker, kicker" as soapboxes were thrown down Market Street. People wanted to see a bit of action and did not leave disappointed with one kart tipping, another crashing and one even went on to 2 wheels but somehow managed to keep it up right!
Everyone enjoyed the event and it will go down in Ashby's history!
December 2023
Ashby Christmas Market
"Christmas Magic Hits Ashby!"
The entire community of Ashby flocked to town, ready to get into the festive spirit.
Thanks to the Rotary club, even the "naughty nice machine" couldn't stop every kid from getting a little something from Santa. The stage was lit up with performances from local schools and clubs, and let's just say, those kids really brought the house down!
Throughout the day there was a free train ride, fairground, and live music that kept the party going into the early evening.
With over 60 stalls selling all kinds of Christmassy goodies, finding the perfect gift was as easy! Guests also delighted in savoring delectable food and drink to tantalize their taste buds."
October 2023
Ashby FABulous 2023
2023 saw the return of the very popular annual Live Models event again.
The theme celebrated ‘100 years Disney’ and saw the town come alive with pirates, Micky & Mini mouse, Rapunzel, Elsa & Spiderwoman.
There was an outstanding number of entrants for the fancy dress competition which was judged by the Mayor.
Our Disney town trail tested the Disney Knowledge of adults and the children! Free face painting, raffle, colouring competition and most importantly a photo with your favourite Disney Characters.
Whole community participation was fantastic and the town was buzzing all day. We were blessed with great weather too!
August 2023
DISC Day & Night time Security...
We've invested into technology which will help crime within the town, keeping our residents and visitors safe.
DISC is a system that Police use and are connected to. Shopkeepers and business's can report crimes and ASB which is shared across the secure network.
Ashby In Bloom 23
Ashby BID organised floral displays consisting of 5 planters and 18 barrier baskets to be situated across the town, including entrances to the town.
These vibrant blooms not only infuse Ashby with a burst of colour and fragrance but also symbolise a commitment to enhancing the town's beauty and vitality. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed a picturesque stroll through our streets, breathing in the refreshing scent of blossoms.
These floral displays are a testament to Ashby's dedication to creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for all, reinforcing the town's status as a truly remarkable place to live, work, and visit.
June 2023
Supported the Ashby Pride Event
Ashby BID funded the town's first Pride event.
This was a fabulous inclusive event, celebrating diversity within our community. This historic event marks a significant step towards promoting acceptance, and unity, creating a more inclusive environment for all Ashby residents and visitors.
The event attracted press interest and news coverage from far and wide, getting Ashby on the map.
The town was decorated with flags and everyone enjoyed face painting, entertainers and a grand raffle.
April 2023
Ashby Easter Art Trail
Ashby BID organised an Easter Art competition with the local primary schools, reaching over 700 families.
The artwork was greatly received and displayed in over 40 business windows throughout the town.
Over the Easter holiday we ran a Fun Easter trail. Many Participants received chocolate eggs & bunny marshmallows.
There was an Easter bunny marketing campaign to highlight those businesses that sponsored the event. Thanks to all involved,
Festive Parking 2022
Working together with the Royal Hotel owners to reopen the car park allowed for an extra 100 vehicles to park for 3 hours free of charge throughout December. (Avg usage 30-40 parked cars.)
In addition, Ashby BID funded free parking in Council owned car parks on 3rd Dec giving a vital boost to traders and shoppers in the run up to Christmas.
These combined parking initiatives were well received by both the public and shop workers, at some times of the day they ran at full capacity with a ‘one in one out’ policy!
October 2022
Ashby FABulous 2022
2022 saw the return of the very popular annual Live Models event.
The theme ‘Enchanted Ashby Fairy Tales & Fables’ saw the town come alive, there were street performers, face painters and a special fairy tale trail which took participants around the entire town centre to solve a riddle. Trail finishers were rewarded with a Love Ashby branded bag and some sweets for every child. Over 150 families took part in the trail.
Business participation was high with the winner of the ‘Best Enchanted Ashby Fairy Tales & Fables’ window display was Zamanis.
Enhancing Events - Ashby Big Weekend 2022
Ashby BID enhanced this event by placing the eye-catching phone box to use as a selfie/photo booth which proved to be incredibly popular.
We hired large screens which streamed the live feed from the stage and an open air film screening of ‘Grease’. We negotiated a number of free pitches for businesses to promote themselves. A total of 6 businesses took us up on the opportunity.
A window music trail was created to ensure all the alley ways were visited and on completion there were some free sweets. In addition those who completed the trails were entered into a raffle to win a gift card and we gave prizes or best fancy dress and best dressed table.
Finally we gave away 20 VIP tables (6 people per table) to corporate businesses from the business parks.
August 2022
Launch of the Ashby Gift Card
The launch of the Ashby gift card in August 2022 has certainly proved successful and has reinforced to shoppers the ‘love local’ message.
This has been backed up with our own gift card promotions, Christmas market stall, Mothers Day campaign as well as being promoted nationally by Miconex.
We wanted to create a project that would increase footfall to the town, but more importantly there was a strong desire to keep it local and ensure that businesses were not having to give away their profits to support the scheme unlike a loyalty scheme.
Company Registration No: 13622944.