'Warwick is ready for Christmas and we're here for you'

'Warwick is ready for Christmas and we're here for you' - that is the message from key organisations and businesses looking to promote the town this festive season.

This year businesses across the UK have faced difficult and turbulent trading conditions due to the pandemic.

In summer, when the UK started to come out of lockdown, the Warwick Chamber of Trade, Dan Watts of New Wave Media, with the support of Warwick Castle and Warwick Town Council created a video to showcase and support the economic recovery of the town.

Now with arrival of the festive season and with the second lockdown coming to an end on Wednesday, they have teamed up again to help promote the town and the businesses.

It was felt by the Chamber of Trade that although Warwick is in tier 3 Covid restrictions meaning all pubs, restaurants and cafes can only offer take-away services, that Christmas in the town should not be forgotten.

Sue Butcher, Chair of Warwick Chamber of Trade, said: "Warwick chamber of Trade is launching this video showcasing our towns wonderful Christmas lights on the eve of our non essential shops opening their doors once again.

"We look forward to welcoming customers into our shops which have made great efforts to ensure their customers have a safe shopping experience.

"We are mindful and sad that our restaurants and pubs are not able to be open and look forward to them hopefully being able to soon.

"We hope our video will will give everyone a boost during these difficult times."

Cllr Terry Morris, Mayor of Warwick, added: "Christmas this year will be very different for everyone and challenging for many.

"We have a great range of independent businesses in Warwick and they have made every effort to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic and allow residents of Warwick to continue to buy their products and services wherever possible.

"I'd encourage everyone to support our local businesses and would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year."

The organisations behind the video also want to promote Warwick, the Christmas lights and the efforts of businesses in the hope that it will encourage visitors to the town, where possible under government guidelines.

Cllr Richard Edgington, Chair of Economic and Tourism at Warwick Town Council, said: "As we come to the close of what is an extremely difficult year, it's important to acknowledge how local businesses and independent retailers and restaurants have responded to continue to trade over the past months.

"Their hard work has certainly shone some light into all of our lives whilst meeting our essential needs.

"It has been humbling to see so many work so hard for the good of our town.

"Seeing everyone come together to create fantastic light displays in their homes is just another example of everyone coming together.

"The town lights are no different in that they are supported by local businesses, the Chamber of Trade and the Town Council.

"The town centre looks amazing again this year with yet more new additions.

"Developing this wonderful display requires continued support from businesses and in turn I would encourage everyone to support local shops this year.

"Shopping local really does make a difference."