Today (24/11), in preparation for the festive period, Acocks Green Village BID hosted a Christmas light switch on and family fun day. The event took place in Acocks Green Village, outside Wilko from 11am until 5pm. 

 

The fun day consisted of free entertainment for all of the family including a bouncy castle and soft play centre, a merry go round, the Village mascot, Biddy Bear who was joined by Disney’s Olaf, a face painter and also kid’s entertainer, Charley Farley, performing magic tricks and creating balloon animals. 

 

 

and The children were able to visit Santa in his grotto between 12pm3pm for just £1 per child. Additionally, Resident DJ Ant Plant played festive music for the duration, and there was a live performance from the band ‘Revolver'. 

 

 

Single dad, Martin Hendry, aged 32 said: “We’ve just been to see Santa and there was hardly a queue. I couldn’t believe it was just a quid too. As I am working all the time, I usually struggle to find the time to take my son. He was so happy and that makes me happy!” 

 

 

There were many stalls located down the stretch of the Village where you were able to purchase a range of bargain items. The event had an impressive turn out with many Acocks Green residents as well as residents from surrounding areas joining together as a community. Mother of two, Linda Freeman, says: “I’m really glad that we decided to come. I’m really surprised with the number of things that we have been able to do here and it’s always good to do something different for a change. My daughter is smitten with Olaf, so she was so excited to see him, we’ve really had a brilliant day.”

 

The Christmas light on and fireworks took place at 4:30pm just after it had gotten dark. The firework display was located over the road at the Inn on The Green Pub. The crowds gathered round and cheered when the lights were switched on and after the display had finished. Acocks Green Village BID were praised for holding such a fantastic event. After the day came to an end, Sandy Gianni, who has been BID manager for 7 years, expressed her gratitude to those who attended as well as those who contributed. switch

 

 

The Christmas lights are funded by local businesses as part of the BID and donations from community groups such as Acocks Green Village Partnership, Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum, Acocks Green Lions, St Mary’s Church and others.

 

What is the Acocks Green Village BID? 

 

BID stands for Business Improvement District. It is an independent, business-led and non-profit company that invests in the things that matter the most to businesses and their customers. They come up with a five-year funded programme with clear objectives and local accountability. 

 

The BID aims to deliver, “An appealing and vibrant centre that businesses and local people alike have great pride in. Where people enjoy our blend of famous high street names and independent retail, leisure and service businesses in one convenient location and new investment from quality businesses helps to draw in new customers.”

Funding support is received through a BID levy. Each levy is based on the Rateable Value of the businesses property as provided by Birmingham City Council. This charge is payable by business ratepayers and is collected by Birmingham City Council on behalf of the BID. The BID has a Minimum of £240pa and a maximum of £6000pa. This is so that smaller businesses make a reasonable contribution towards the benefits they will gain, whilst ensuring that levies for very large businesses are not excessive. 

 

The BID is structured with a board of 15 directors who oversee the strategic direction of the BID, direct the work of the BID manager and represent the wider Village business community. The make-up of the board represents all the sectors and interested parties in Acocks Green Village. Therefore, there are chairs that are specifically dedicated to each sector. These are West Midlands Police, Community Representative, Leisure/Food and Drink, Retail (multinational), Retail (independent), Office/Professional/Banking and Landlord/property owner.