TAVISTOCK is one of more than 100 towns across the UK joining together for Fiver Fest  —special £5 offers to highlight the contribution to the economy that local shops and businesses bring. It is also an opportunity for those businesses to say ‘thank you’ to their loyal customers who have supported them through the pandemic.

‘Fiver Fest happens three times per year,’ said Janna Sanders of Tavistock BID ‘and it is now a big part of our promotions for Tavistock. The independent shops and businesses are part of what makes our town special and unique.

‘The community support for local businesses has been amazing during lockdown, but it is easy to slip back into old shopping habits now that things are returning to normal. So, this is a little nudge to say — our local businesses are still here, still serving this community and they appreciate your support. Spending just £5 a week in Tavistock can make a big difference.’

‘Fiver Fest is based around the now famous Totally Locally £5 message which says that if every adult in Tavistock spends just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £2.6 million per year going directly into our local economy. This can can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economyand& a nicer place to live. Makes you think, doesn’t it?!’

Totally Locally founder Chris Sands said: ‘Over 100 towns from the North of Scotland to the South West of England now take in Fiver Fest events on a regular basis. It’s a campaign that sees incredible offers from £5 massages, to £5 veg boxes, £5 walking tours, £5 lunch deals, £5 ghost storytelling, £5 axe-throwing session and even £5 Scottish dance lessons!’

Janna added: ‘Fiver Fest shows that a small change in your spending habits can really make a difference to our high streets. Just by diverting £5 of our weekly spend to local independents we give them a fighting chance to thrive and to keep our high streets alive.  Fiver Fest makes that easy, and it’s fun!’

Fiver Fest begins tomorrow (Saturday)