As well as the fabulous Jellycat swans which have popped up around the town centre for our summer trail event, we’ve extended the fun a little more with a colouring competition! You can pick up a colouring sheet from one of the town centre cafes and restaurants listed below whilst you’re out enjoying lunch or a coffee stop (perfect activity to keep the little ones busy!) or the Tourist Information Centre, Market Square. When your children have coloured in the swan on the front we’d love to see it! Please post it into the post box next to Smiggle in… Read more »

Keep your eyes peeled for the Discover Stortford window stickers, highlighting shops and businesses across town where pooches are welcome. You’ll be surprised how many are set up for dogs, and genuinely wanting them to visit, with pup-loving staff, outside spaces, bowls of water, doggie treats and even special canine menus on offer.

Earlier this month, we ran a competition with ten £50 Discover Stortford gift cards up for grabs. Via our various social media platforms, local groups with a registered charity number, and a planned fundraiser over the summer, were invited to apply. Entrants were placed in a hat (well, a Discover Stortord bag to be precise!) and drawn by Hayley Harris from the Jackson Square team on Tuesday 6th June. Congratulations to our lucky winners: Helping Herts, All Saints Primary School PTA, St Elizabeth’s, St Mary’s PTFA Stansted, Manor Fields School Association, Isabel Hospice, Friends of St Andrew’s School & Nursery,… Read more »

Are you looking for a raffle prize for your school PTA, sports club or other local charitable group? We at the Bishop’s Stortford Business Improvement District (BID) like to do our bit in the community. We are therefore delighted to donate ten £50 Discover Stortford gift cards for fundraising events taking place in and around Bishop’s Stortford before 31 October 2023. The Discover Stortford gift card can be spent in over 30 shops here in the town centre, including well-known names such as Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s, as well as many of our independent shops and businesses. For more… Read more »

On Sunday 7 May in Market Square, the BID brought the Coronation celebrations to Bishop’s Stortford! Thank you so much to everyone who came along, it was fabulous to see so many people out and about enjoying the music, entertainment, giveaways and spending time in our town centre. The fun filled afternoon saw some fantastic local talent taking to the stage area in Market Square. The selection of acts provided something for everyone, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to these wonderful groups who entertained us all. Starting off with the National Anthem and finishing the day… Read more »

Marketing & Communications Manager We are looking for a highly organised, enthusiastic individual to join us, with a pro-active attitude, experience and ability to work independently and as part of a small team as required. You will help devise and manage the delivery of the marketing and communications plan, for both the businesses and consumers. The role also includes providing general office support in helping to deliver BID projects. Key Details Full Job Description available here. Essential Skills Application Process Applications are now closed, thanks to everyone who has applied.

Every year the wonderfull Renee Friend, a volunteer for Isabel Hospice, organises a window competition for the town centre businesses. Any business is invited to join in return for a small donation to the Hospice. It was another successful year, with some fabulous windows and £310 raised! On Friday 2 December, Renee invited a group of judges to walk around to town to decide a winner, what a job! The BID was delighted to be ask to join the judging panel, alongside Corrina Savage from Jackson Square and Dave Anderson our Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford. The standard this year was… Read more »

Come along on Thursday 1 December for the Christmas Jingle Late Night Opening Event 5pm – 8pm. Be entertained by the classical pianist and enjoy a mince pie and mulled wine whilst you browse the shops. Discounts and festive offers in store. Florence Walk, North Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2NZ. Eat shop and be merry.

This Christmas we have a fun competition for you over on our Instagram and Facebook pages. You’ll find us at @DiscoverStortford. All you need to do is look out for posts showing the cheeky Elf who has been out and about in Bishop’s Stortford shops doing his shopping this Christmas! You’ll see him with a letter block in each post. Just keep a track of the letters, there’s 7 in total and you’ll be able to spell a Christmas word. Once you have all 7, just enter online here to be in with a chance of winning a £100 Discover… Read more »

We have compiled a Bishop’s Stortford Christmas Gift Guide to give a flavour of the wide range of presents and stocking fillers available in the town centre. It’s divided into the following sections to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list, while supporting local shops and businesses: And there’s lots more in stores, so pop into town this Christmas for a browse and to pick up your Christmas gifts. Around 23,000 Christmas Gift Guides have been delivered locally but if you haven’t received one, copies are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Market Square.

Come and discover all that Bishop’s Stortford has to offer this Christmas. There has never been a better time to shop local and support the high street. With independent stores and boutiques, national retailers and Jackson Square shopping centre, Bishop’s Stortford has imaginative presents and stocking fillers for everyone on your gift list. If you’re stuck for ideas, there are friendly staff on hand for advice and inspiration. Take your time to browse and buy without worrying about postal delays. You can also order online for in-store collection from several high-street chains. Shopping locally is much more enjoyable than battling… Read more »

Parking in the town centre is always difficult at this time of year. We suggest planning your visit to avoid peak times if possible – after 3pm is usually quieter – or trying a different car park to minimise potential congestion. The new Northgate End car park (opposite Waitrose) is now open and there are other short and long-stay options within easy walking distance of the town centre. Visit our car parking webpage to see where they are located. Car parking leaflets are also available from the Tourist Information Centre in Market Square and from outside Smiggle in Jackson Square shopping… Read more »