SANTA made a speedy visit to Bendigo on Wednesday, driving a tram through the CBD to help promote next month’s Bendigo Street Festival.
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Traders in the central business district are gearing up for the event, which will bring festivities such as live music, wine tasting and face painting to the streets on December 5, from 11am to 9pm.
Free trams will run to the CBD.
“Everyone in retail Australia-wide is experiencing quiet times so it’s great to be doing something positive and bringing a good feeling back into the city,” said Trudi O’Donnell, from Bamboo Beauty Lounge.
Traders hope the festival, presented by advocacy group Vibrant Central Bendigo, will showcase what the CBD has to offer and encourage more people to support local traders.
“There will be great things happening in all precincts of the CBD,” said Chantell Rothwell from Soho Boutique.
“Lots of our businesses … are owned by local people and owner-operated,” she said. “It’s about supporting your neighbours, not always your big multi-nationals.”