STRATFORD is making historic preparations for an influx of business by launching its first ever website dedicated to the whole community.
The digital platform – www.stratforduponavon.org.uk – will act as a digital directory for both residents and visitors covering major and community events, through to recommendations of places to eat, drink and stay, as well as a directory of local businesses.
The £24,000 website investment was part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and developed by a steering group representing the town, including Stratford-upon-Avon BID, Stratford Town Council, Stratford Literary Festival, Discover Gather Give, Shakespeare’s England and Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
It comes as the town is bracing itself for rising interest in the locations that inspired the Oscar-nominated film Hamnet, with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust already reporting an early year-on-year rise in visitors in January compared to the same period last year.
The town is also gearing up for a busy events calendar, including Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations, Stratford Motor Festival, and Stratford Literary Festival among others.
Aaron Corsi, BID Manager at Stratford-upon-Avon BID, said: “Local businesses and residents told us they wanted a clearer, more joined-up way to see what’s going on in the town all year round, so we’re making it easier for people to move beyond a single visit and spend more time in the town
“That means more footfall, more connections and more opportunities for local businesses to thrive, while helping visitors experience Stratford-upon-Avon in a deeper, more rewarding way.
“This is more than a website, it is a digital hub that has been created by the Stratford community for the Stratford community and those wanting to visit the town – and so we are encouraging people to upload their own events and offerings so it can continue to evolve.”
George Cowcher, deputy leader at Stratford District Council said: “By bringing together events, services and opportunities in one clear, user‑friendly place, it supports both the local community and the wider visitor economy. We are pleased to have worked in partnership with organisations across the town to help deliver a resource that will continue to grow and benefit everyone who spends time in Stratford-upon-Avon.”
Stratford Town Council clerk Caroline Nash, added: “Stratford-upon-Avon is a town we are rightly proud of, and this website provides a simple, welcoming way for residents and visitors to see what it has to offer.”
Annie Ashworth, Festival Director of Stratford Literary Festival which attracts thousands of people a year to the town, is backing the new investment in the town website.
She added: “Stratford has so many great events and businesses, and it’s long overdue to have a hub website for the town where everyone – residents and national and international visitors – can find out what’s on.
“It’s great news and can only help footfall for businesses. It’s been a pleasure to have been a part of its creation.”
Darren Tosh, from Warwickshire’s tourism board Shakespeare’s England, said Stratford was already attracting more day visitors than most, and the anticipated impact of Hamnet, twas only likely to continue the trend.”
He added: “Stratford-upon-Avon continues to attract an increasing number of visitors from across the UK and beyond, but we know the best places are those that work well for the people who live there too.
“This website reflects that thinking – it’s practical, welcoming and rooted in local insight for locals – and complements our own efforts in attracting domestic and international visitors to Stratford and the wider region.”
Residents and visitors can visit www.stratforduponavon.org.uk to receive updates via the website’s newsletter.
