Fair Puts Spring Into Buxton's Steps Towards Economic Boost
8 May 2013
When we were approached by the Town Team to become involved in the Spring Fair, we immediately said 'yes'. We now want to work in partnership with the Town Team to learn the lessons from the Fair as the first part of the process of planning for future even more spectacular events.
”Dr Peter Dewhurst, Dean of the University Derby Buxton
Students were at the heart of a community event which brought Buxton together in a way the town has not seen in living memory.
The University of Derby Buxton students were praised by organisers of the Spring Fair on Monday (May 6) which brought crowds to the Spring Gardens and Market Place shopping areas, as well as packing the green spaces of the Pavilion Gardens and The Slopes.
Buxton Town Team, which organised the event, hailed it as a huge success. The idea had been to bring life and business to all parts of the town, from the viaduct at the bottom of Fairfield Road, through Spring Gardens, across the Market Place and down to the Green Man Gallery on London Road. Shops, artists and craftspeople as well as food and drink producers lined the route with entertainment and displays to showcase the town's talent.
"I can't remember seeing the whole town so full," said Janet Miller, one of the Town Team directors. "We're hoping it will inspire people to do their own thing - and to think big. If we can get the community to work to together, we can turn this town around."
The University of Derby Buxton undergraduates rolled up their sleeves to help out with preparations for the Fair as well as being on duty during the day.
"They were brilliant and did a fantastic job," said Janet. "It was so good to be working with people so young and enthusiastic."
Dr Peter Dewhurst, Dean of the University Derby Buxton, said: "We recognise the importance of supporting the local community and also understand the value of providing our undergraduate students with real world learning experiences.
"So when we were approached by the Town Team to become involved in the Spring Fair, we immediately said 'yes'. We now want to work in partnership with the Town Team to learn the lessons from the Fair as the first part of the process of planning for future even more spectacular events".
Sergeant Russ Barlow, from Buxton Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "The fair is a fantastic event for Buxton and one that brings thousands of people to the town."
"It's important for those visitors to remain safe and it's pleasing that there were no incidents reported during the event, which is a testament to the organisation and to the behaviour of those enjoying the fair and the town."
Colin Chipp, at Buxton Hawkshead on Spring Gardens, said: "As a Buxton resident for the last 25 years, and a local retailer, I applaud the efforts to the Town Team and would welcome the chance to become involved in the future."
