Napier's Winter Street Jams aim to bring nightlife back to the city centre with fire performers, late-night shopping, street food and live music. Photo / Kirsten Simcox
Napier's Winter Street Jams aim to bring nightlife back to the city centre with fire performers, late-night shopping, street food and live music. Photo / Kirsten Simcox
A conversation about keeping Napier businesses open later has generated a new event that will keep the city centre alive and ready for winter after-dark shopping.
Fire performers, street food, and live music is planned as the new Winter Street Jams series kicks off on Friday on Hastings St, aimingto bring life back into the CBD after 5pm.
“Winter is a challenging time for local businesses, and it’s all too easy to hibernate at home when nothing’s happening,” Napier City Business general manager Pip Thompson said.
“But our community has shown there’s a real appetite for coming together. These events are part of building a more resilient, thriving city centre that people feel proud to support.”
The events, running from 5pm to 8pm, aim to revitalise the city centre after dark. Photo / Kirsten Simcox
Now, in partnership with Napier City Council, Napier City Business is rolling out a series of free, family-friendly evening events happening from 5pm to 8pm.
On Friday, shops will stay open for the occasion, including Richard Boyd-Dunlop Gallery, Music Machine, Department of Curiosities, Wardini Books, Emily Mallard Ceramics, Tennyson Gallery, Chantal Shop, Hapi Cafe, Vinci’s Pizza, Bistronomy, The Rose Irish Pub, Indigo and Zambrero.
The second event is set for Market St on August 15.
The initiative is not only designed to bring people back into the city centre during the quieter winter months, but also to test whether a late-night trading and evening activation could work in the longer term.
If successful, it could help shape a more vibrant and resilient city centre throughout the year, according to Napier City Business.
