12 June 2008

Sheffield city centre celebrates summer with Wednesday Night Live

Over forty businesses will be working together to open up the city on Wednesday evenings to encourage people to make the most of Sheffield city centre on those long summer evenings and to celebrate the arrival of Vivienne Westwood: The Exhibition at the Millennium Gallery.

Every Wednesday from 4 June to 17 September, shops and attractions will be opening late, bars and restaurants will be offering special deals, there will be free car parking at John Lewis and live music and street performances across the city centre!

Many retailers will be providing late night opening including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Dorothy Perkins, Zavvi, H&M, TK Maxx, Debenhams, The Forum, ETON and Adams, and some will be offering in store events.

Mark Lewis, Store Manager at John Lewis, said: “John Lewis are very excited and pleased to be able to support Wednesday Night Live! This fantastic new initiative will bring many new and current customers into the city. John Lewis has opened until 8pm for many years so we’re delighted that other shops and city businesses will be joining us!”

On Wednesday 11 June the Forum shops and bar will be joining forces to hold a re-launch party featuring sky lanterns, live music, al fresco food and independent shops will be offering discounts on certain products. The party celebrates the opening of a number of new independent stores, the opening of Devonshire Terrace and the launch of their Wednesday late night opening.

The Millennium Gallery and the Winter Garden will be open until 9pm every Wednesday where visitors can view the highly acclaimed Vivienne Westwood exhibition, listen to live music provided by Stag Works and Opus Creations or enjoy one of the many fashion-related events such as Catwalk Trend Presentations and Styling Advice.

Visitors to the city centre will be able to eat and drink for less on a Wednesday evening by visiting one of the many bars and restaurants that will be providing deals on food and drink.

The Odeon will be offering two cinema tickets for the price of one every Wednesday for Orange customers and Swamp Circus Trust will be providing a series of circus inspired street theatre across the city centre, which will include stilt walkers, unicyclists and many more.

Malcolm Schooling, owner of Platillos and the Wig & Pen, said: “Many people don’t realise how much is going on in the city centre and particularly what’s available early evening. Wednesday Night Live will raise awareness of all the fantastic venues and events that Sheffield has to offer!”

Brendan Moffett, Director of Strategic Marketing at Creative Sheffield, said: “We’re keen to promote Sheffield as a great place to visit and Wednesday Night Live is sure to help us do this! The city centre will be a hive of activity throughout the summer months so come down and see what Sheffield has to offer!”