FOCUS: Could a pop-up festival boost West's Centre?

Tuesday 04 June 2024

Businesses in West's Centre have indicated they would be in favour of more live music and entertainment in the area – including a small-scale festival that could be held with the support of the parish.

Head of Engagement and Town Centre Manager Connor Burgher welcomed the idea, and said the Parish of St Helier would be open to input from interested organisations and business owners.

Brian Hughes, owner of the recently opened Treat Me sweet shop, said West's Centre could benefit from "more events", noting the popularity of pop-up markets that had been held on weekends.

"Definitely more that could be done" 

He explained: "The Boat Show, the Motoring Festival, it's all the other end of town.

"It [West's Centre] isn't a huge space but there is definitely more that could be done, music and stuff like that just to give it a bit more atmosphere and a bit more life – because the businesses are all trying hard around here to create a nice place."

Pictured: Treat Me owner Brian Hughes pointed out that many of the existing festivals and events were "the other end of town".

John O'Connell, who co-owns Krafty J's, said the craft beer and gin house had just marked its fifth-year anniversary.

He agreed that some kind of festival could be held "on a smaller scale" in the area.

Pictured: Krafty J's co-owner John O'Connell said there was scope for a festival to be held "on a smaller scale" in West's Centre.

John said: "It would be great if the parish were to come to us and we were to work together and come up with some sort of idea, which is open to all ages and we can have things on show like they do at the Fête de St Hélier or Havre des Pas [festivals]."    

Attracting "locals as well as tourists"

Charlie Northedge, who is behind the Red House coffee bar and pizzeria, said: "The space lends itself perfectly for those kind of events and I think all the neighbouring businesses would benefit greatly.

"It's another thing that we can put on in town that will attract locals as well as tourists and it's something that we should do a lot more of."

Pictured: Red House owner Charlie Northedge said West's Centre "lends itself perfectly" to pop-up festival type events.

Charlie added: "Live music is something that is very close to my heart personally and I would like to get involved.

"I'm sure a lot my friends and fellow musicians would as well and also caterers – there are a few restaurants and bars in the area so I think everyone could chime-in."

An idea "worth considering"

Head of Engagement and Town Centre Manager Connor Burgher said that the parish is "certainly open to the idea" and would "welcome input" from organisations and business owners interested in supporting such an event.

Pictured: Head of Engagement and Town Centre Manager Connor Burgher said that the parish was "certainly open to the idea".

Connor added: "Anything that will benefit local businesses while bringing more vibrancy to the area is worth considering, especially if it can be done collaboratively and in a cost-effective manner."