South Gloucestershire Council has awarded a total of £30,000 in grants through its Creative High Streets Fund (CHSF) to local organisations to enable them to deliver a range of vibrant creative and cultural activities in seven high streets during 2026.
Grants ranged from £1,000 to £5,000 to cover the revenue costs of activities and have originated from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s (WECA) Regional Recovery Fund.
Activities already underway
Activities have already begun, with the Kingswood Easter Trail and Downend Food Market among the first to deliver activities in April 2026. Coming up this May will be the 35th Anniversary Floral Display planting event for Thornbury in Bloom, supported by the grants.
Kingswood Easter Trail encouraged families to explore Kings Chase Shopping Centre and Regent Street to find 10 hidden magical eggs, receiving a special Easter prize at the end.
Alice Twinn from Kingswood Town Council, who led the activity feedback, said: “The grant enabled us to employ two artists to create a feature window display in Lost in the Reads bookshop which has acted as the collection and drop off point for trail sheets. Children said it was so fun finding the golden eggs and the trail had over 100 people taking part on the first day!”
Downend Food Market brought together local food producers offering delicious dishes and tasty treats, alongside live music and family friendly activities.
Councillor Sean Rhodes, cabinet member for communities and local place at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a varied range of events taking place on our high streets, supported by funding from WECA. We want to make creativity and culture are accessible to all South Gloucestershire residents and ensure our high streets are vibrant places to visit and explore.
“We’re grateful to all the organisations who applied for grants and brought forward inspiring ideas that will benefit our communities. Whether you’re interested in arts and crafts, food, music or history, there’s something for everyone through the Creative High Streets Fund programme.”
Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “It is wonderful to see more people enjoying events on their local high streets.
“Bringing a broader mix can encourage people to spend more time in our town centres, including here in South Gloucestershire, helping local businesses to thrive.
“This regional funding is a great opportunity for communities to add even more character to their high streets and the ideas we have seen so far have been really inspiring. And there’s lots more to look forward to!”
Future activities
More activities are planned to be delivered from May 2026 onwards with support from CHSF, including*:
• 24 May – 35th Anniversary Floral Display (Planting Event) – Thornbury in Bloom
• 12 July – A Promenade Through Time/Downend Market – Downend Community History and Arts Project/Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council
• 18 July/1 August – Heritage Craft Fair/Summer in the High Street events – Love Thornbury
• August – Summer Search and Art Competition – Chipping Sodbury Chamber of Commerce
• 5 September – Hanham Harmony Trail – Can’t Sit Still
• 21 November – Christmas Light Switch On – Thornbury Christmas Lights Association
• 4 December – Patchway Festive Walk and Wonder – Patchway Town Council
• Phone Box Pocket Museum – Filton Town Council.
*Please note these are provisional dates and may change. Please check with the relevant organisation.
