SHOPPERS in Hereford will be able to take advantage of late night openings and free parking in the run-up to Christmas.

Hereford Business Improvement District, which works on behalf of city centre businesses, said the initiative - run in previous years - will return in 2021.

After talking with Hereford BID, the city council and the Old Market Shopping Centre, Herefordshire Council is set to give shopper free parking on the last three Wednesdays before Christmas.

Hereford BID's chief executive Mike Truelove said the free parking would be in all council pay and display car parks, and on-street, after 4pm on December 8, 15 and 22.

OTHER NEWS:

This would include Maylord and Old Market shopping centres, but exclude Friar Street and privately-operated car park.

"The county council, from consultation with the Hereford BID, city council and Old Market will put on free parking on late night shopping nights during the last three Wednesdays before Christmas Day which are Wednesday, December 8, 15 and 22.

"Free parking is offered after 4pm in all council pay and display car parks in the city centre including Maylord Shopping Centre, Old Market Shopping Centre and on-street parking.

"Friar Street and private car parks are excluded from this offer."

The BID said Christmas lights would not be switched on at an event with a stage in High Town, but instead would just come on gradually on November 21 to avoid crowds gathering due to coronavirus.

Also coming this December, Mr Truelove promised the city would host a "Christmas Spectacular" event as the BID tries to put on "wow factor entertainment".

OTHER NEWS:

World-class walkabout performers, live bands and the "Hereford gift card golden ticket treasure hunt" are some of the plans lined up this December, he pledged.

Under the district's Hereford City Life brand, chief executive Mike Truelove said he wanted Hereford to be attractive place for shopping for the wider region.

He said after a "difficult" Christmas in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hereford BID had worked closely with the city council to put on "wow factor entertainment" around the city.

He said that would include acts such as iGlobot, a giant walking robot that children will love; Nanook, the wondering Polar Bear with his special friend Xania the Ice Fairy; and Mysterian, the famous street magician.