The opportunities for promoting Shrewsbury on the national stage will be discussed at the opening event of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Festival.

This year’s annual Shropshire Handmade and Creative Christmas Gift Fair will move outdoors at the Love2Stay resort in Shrewsbury this weekend, December 12 and 13, to comply with Covid-19 rules.

Shrewsbury Recovery Taskforce, made up of Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury Town Council and Shrewsbury BID, says that safety remains a top priority as many town centre businesses prepare to re-open in December.

People are being urged not to forget their local high street during the lockdown, with essential shops still open, and others running “alternative shopping” services.

A campaign to promote Shrewsbury as a vibrant and safe destination over the summer will continue throughout autumn and winter.

Shoppers have been praised for wearing face coverings in town centre shops - with officials pleased that “the vast majority” of people are adhering to the new rules.

The number of people visiting Shrewsbury town centre jumped by more than 65 per cent as many shops reopened.

Shrewsbury is open again and shoppers are being welcomed into the town centre with a variety of offers - including free parking in some car parks.

Following days of being in the national TV spotlight as the River Sever flooded parts of the town, Shrewsbury’s tourism attractions, shops and hospitality businesses have an important message for the outside world: “We are open for business.”

Romantic partners who splash out on touring caravan, caravan holiday home or motorhome for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day are in for a special treat at Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury.