Please note: this is an old article
It was published in February 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.
Following on from the success of the extended Saturday trading hour’s promotion in the lead up to Christmas, Council are working with Greater Shepparton’s Young Citizen of the year, Jamie Lea, to provide entertainment in the Mall on Saturdays through to April.
Ms Lea, will be using her extensive contacts in the local music scene to put together a program of musical entertainment which will encourage shoppers to stay in the CBD a little longer to enjoy the free entertainment while shopping, dining or just catching up with friends.
"A number of the performers are young people volunteering their time and it's a great opportunity for local people to both perform and enjoy live music."
A key purpose of the entertainment is to develop uniform and extended trading hours in the CBD. The Shepparton CBD Strategy (2008) seeks to encourage retail trade after 1.00pm on Saturdays. The performances will be held on stage in the Mall from 10.30 to 2.30pm. It is hoped that this will encourage traders to remain open a little later, if they don't already, to make the most of the lively atmosphere and weekend shoppers in the CBD.
The Mall provides the community with a great space for relaxed gatherings and public entertainment. The free entertainment will help to build on the inviting atmosphere that encourages people to visit, shop, and dine in Shepparton.