Businesspeople from across the North of England are preparing to celebrate Christmas 2020 in August in a bid to support small businesses striving to bounce back from the pandemic.
Over 85 small business owners and entrepreneurs from across Yorkshire, Manchester and Sheffield have purchased tickets for The Northern Christmas 2020 Summer Party.
Others have shown their support by donating raffle prizes, equipment and supplies, as well as organising their own Christmas events in August.
The event, organised by The Northern Affinity, is being held as part of Northern Christmas Week; a new awareness week dedicated to helping small business owners recover some of the lost revenue in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taking place on August 18th at Manor House Hotel in Lindley, it’s an afternoon and evening event comprising a three course Christmas dinner, market stalls, raffles, a series of competitions, and evening party.
Women’s boutique Apparel Leeds, Silver Bells, and Pop Along Café in Pudsey will each be present with a Christmas stall.
Christmas decorations have been kindly donated to decorate the venue by Renee of Silver Bells.
Prizes for the raffle, of which all proceeds go to Simon on the Streets, have been provided by Boo!Marketing, Popalong Café, The Little Red Mixer, Charlotte’s Boutique, Rather Lather UK, Rachel’s Balloons, Cotton and Thread, Betty’s Tea Room, Latitude’s Wine and Liquor, Peg Whisky, Spirit of Harrogate, Spencer Hayes, Apparel Leeds, The Yorkshire Handbag.Co, and DJ Paul Eden.
A live broadcast of homeless people receiving a Christmas Dinner will also be shown between 2pm and 4pm, thanks to a collaboration between The Northern Affinity, Simon on the Streets and St Annes.
Natalie Moran of Simon on the Streets will then deliver a heart-warming speech about their work and how the donations of Christmas dinners have helped the people they look to protect.
Michael Edwards, organiser of the event and founder of The Northern Affinity said: “The last 18 months have been tough on everyone, so we were keen to organise an event where we could bring our partners and guests together, have fun and help a great cause.
“For most of us, Christmas 2020 was a non-event, but now we can change that, even if it's 8 months late.
“We have had fantastic support from so many amazing local businesses who have ensured it will be a brilliant day and if we can make a contribution to Simon on the Streets and help raise awareness of the amazing work they do, that really is the icing on the (Christmas!) cake.
“Anyone who can't make our event but want to do something yourself, we would love to hear about it and will share on our social media platforms.”
There are a limited number of tickets available left for the event. To purchase a ticket, or to find out how to be involved with your own event, list your services or add an event, please email bradley@thenorthernaffinity.co.uk.
