LIVE performers, a carousel and a bouncy castle will entertain visitors at Witney’s first shopping fun day.

Witney independent businesses have joined forces with the Woolgate Centre and Marriotts Walk shopping centres, along with other high street stores, to hold the event on Saturday, September 4.

There will be a Where’s Woolly treasure hunt, starting from the Methodist Church and run by the Children’s Centre, where entrants can explore the town centre collecting answers with prizes for the most successful treasure hunters.

Many participating shops and businesses will be running special promotions on the day, with lots of prizes on offer.

Funds raised from the treasure hunt, other attractions and a street collection will be split between Oxford’s Children’s Hospital and The Old School Building Fund — the Methodist Church’s project for a new children and young people’s centre in Wesley Walk.

Rodney Hartnell, manager of the Woolgate Centre, said: “It has been encouraging to see what the traders in Witney can achieve when we work together. There have been some great ideas, creativity, hard work and a willingness to get involved.

“I feel sure that the Witney Shopping Fun Day will bring more visitors into the town, and increase the footfall for the traders whilst the public are enjoying the day’s activities.”

Janette Reed, owner of Cotswold Kids and co-chairman of Witney Independent Traders Association (WITAN), added: “Witney is fast becoming a destination for discerning shoppers, who enjoy the character of our lovely market town and the variety of our independent businesses.

“We are fortunate to have attracted quality high street brands to the town, and it’s great that this event enables us all to work together to show just what Witney has to offer.”

Independent trader Ken Hanchard, of Baby Warehouse, is keen for visitors to explore the town. He said: “The fun day treasure hunt will take visitors around the town, into the interesting arcades and shopping areas just off the main High Street. Shoppers will find all sorts of interesting small businesses just minutes’ walk from all the main car parks.

“We are anticipating a busy day, and hope to repeat the event in future.”

For details, visit witneyshopping.co.uk or email ken@baby-warehouse.co.uk, or funday@witneyshopping.co.uk