President's Heartbeat - w/c 25th September

Released On 25th Sep 2017

This is an appeal: Last Saturday I was out on the streets - not destitute; just in my alter-ego as a singer-songwriter, playing at BuskFest, part of Super Saturday, the annual showcase for the best of Yeovil. What I saw first-hand is a town centre busy reinventing itself to take part in the 21st century. On a shoestring budget from District Council and other sponsors, Super Saturday delivers a range of 'dwell-time' events around art, culture, music and children's activities, to support the food, drink, leisure, and retail businesses located in the town centre. Comments from key figures I met on Saturday were in favour of delivering a Super Saturday style event more frequently.

Aware that this will require funding, I took the opportunity to lobby local officials who were also out on the streets, like me, witnessing their town centre bulging at the seams with visitors.
Pending feedback from business owners and shopkeepers, Super Saturday looked and felt like a success; but there was ample evidence that people are attracted by a perception and what is offered. My appeal is to the private sector and local government. Support your town centre; invest in more of Super Saturday. Yeovil is punching well above its weight, and further assistance is required.