Woodbridge’s Thoroughfare wow judges with High Street Awards street party

The Woodbridge Riverside Trust join the street party on the Thoroughfare Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Copyright 2009)

A street party was held down the Thoroughfare to welcome the judges to the town and highlight the variety of businesses who call the street their home.

They were joined by a number of local charity and heritage groups including the Woodbridge Riverside Trust, the New Horizons group and the Jetty Lane group.

Local business group Choose Woodbridge is leading the town’s bid in the awards.

James Lightfoot from Choose Woodbridge said:“It’s just brilliant. The spirit and the sound you can hear around you is just fantastic.

David Mortimer and Clare Perkins enjoy the newly unveiled Woodbridge Memory Bike Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Copyright 2009)

“What I like is that there are just people going about their ordinary shopping, we haven’t busted lots of people in just for today.

Musicians and artists from Woodbridge Creative Arts were on hand to add culture and atmosphere to the event while many local business opened up on to the street to display their wares.

One of those shops was local book and gift shop Woodbridge Emporium.

“It’s been really good,” said Jules Button from the Woodbridge Emporium, “ a lot of people are aware.

Woodbridge street party to celebrate the high street, which is a contender in a national high street awards for which judging takes place today Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Copyright 2009)

“They are very excited that Woodbridge has been nominated.”

Also taking part was Jill Barratt from Barratts of Woodbridge: “It’s been a lovely party atmosphere.

It’s nice how everyone has come and it has been a lovely boost.”

Woodbridge Mayor David Mortimer said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity and hopefully it will be an incentive for people to come along and see Woodbridge for themselves.

L-R: Sue Cullum and Jill Barratt of Barratts of Woodbridge Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Copyright 2009)

“They can spend the day here, see the wonderful independent shops and see what Woodbridge has to offer: which is a lot.”

Woodbridge county councillor Caroline Page added: “It’s a real town. “There’s not a lot we cannot get here, we really are incredibly fortunate.”

While judges toured the town today 30% of the votes comes from the public.

To show your support for Woodbridge all you have to do is post on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #MYHIGHSTREET and #GBHSWoodbridge.

Jules Button shows off her new Woodbridge Blend tea Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Copyright 2009)

Paul Constantine and Brian Wilson in character on the Thoroughfare in Woodbridge Picture: KATY SANDALLS (Image: Copyright 2009)