S now In Hythe

Waters ide B us ines s P artners hip and R evitalH ytheWinner of S outh E as t R eg ion Market Towns Awards 2008

The Overview

During the 4 Saturdays leading up to Christmas between 2pm and 4pm 12 snow machines created a ‘blizzard’ around Hythe.

The IssuesLimited budget to replace and install lights.

Some traders were unwilling to contribute to the cost of lights.

Apathy amongst some traders and enthusiasm amongst others.

Low buildings in certain areas of the village

Christmas lights attract visitors after dark when shops are closed.

Families going to the nearest cities and towns to shop.

Increase in internet shopping.

Everybody has lights!

Our objectives….

Something that would bring in visitors during the day.

Something that could be used in every part of the village.

Something inexpensive.

Something that shops could do on an individual basis.

Something that would specifically attract families.

Something no-one else had done!

How did we solve it?

A cup of tea, serendipity and the world wide web!

www.djkit.co.uk

0845 458 4434

How We Did itGot 12 traders to sign up to the idea.

Ordered the Machines

Collected payment

Delivered and set up machines

Ensured everyone knew the timetable.

Told the media!

And we turned this…….

….to this!

Did we achieve our objective?

We increased footfall during the day

The whole village was included

The project was relatively cheap

Every shop that wanted to could take part

We increased the number of visitors with families

It was unique

And hidden bonuses too!

• Press Coverage• TV coverage• Psychological effect on

spending• Community Sprit• Rejuvenated the traders• Distant and returning

visitors• Pester power!• Income from rental of

machines• Imitation is the sincerest

form of flattery