Andover High Street was spookily busy today, despite the rain downpours and gusts of wind.
Shoppers were undeterred by the wet and windy weather as local retailers took part in a special socially-distanced Halloween Hunt around the high street area.
Kellie from Canto Gelato, dressed as a wicked witch said, “I am surprised there are so many people here today and there’s real positive atmosphere in the high street.”
Andover Radio broadcast live through the day talking to shoppers, ‘Trick and Treaters’ and local retailers. 8-year old Karli from Andover said she enjoyed seeing the different shopkeepers dressed up. She told Andover Radio, “I especially like the spooky cupcakes”. Scary cupcakes were supplied by The Travelling Cupcake on the High Street.
Lots of local businesses were getting in to the spirit and enjoyed the spooky event for children organised by the Andover Business Improvement District (BID) and 95.9FM Andover Radio.
Today’s Halloween Hunt encouraged people in groups of six or fewer to track and trace our local shopkeepers and get some spooky treats at the end of the trail.
BID Manager Steve Godwin said, “I am very happy with today, this Halloween event is fantastic, we are getting a real feeling of people pulling together, the kids are loving it.
“Everybody, the customers and retailers, are being very sensible and just getting on with the difficult world around us.
“We know that there will be an announcement about a further potential lockdown. Businesses in Andover are well prepared for this and we are always around to offer support. One of the great things about Andover is it is safe, we have a lot of wide open space and a lovely high street.”
Businesses taking part in today’s Halloween Hunt included Tip Top Balloons, Mooch on Bridge Street and the Vodafone store in the Chantry Centre. Children who tracked down local shopkeepers who dressed up as spooky characters go gifts from the Andover BID, Waitrose and the Travelling Cupcake.
“In rain, wind and the general drudgery of shopping in the British weather, I am so pleased to see so many people participate in today’s event,” says Andover Radio host David Harber.
“It’s a testament to the people of Andover who have come out, had a bit of fun and braved the awful elements to ensure our kids have some fun and they get to visit stores around the town. One mum told us that she’s pleased to have discovered Indiglow on Newbury Street because of today’s activities.
“This makes me happy and thank you to everyone who contributed and took part. Andover, you should be proud of yourselves. It’s been a great day”.
