Residents can enjoy free parking in Hatfield town centre this weekend.

On Saturday, December 16, it will be free to park in The Common multistorey car park and in Kennelwood Lane car park.

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (WHBC) is hoping that the decision to make parking free will encourage people to shop at town centre businesses ahead of Christmas.

There will also be a range of festive activities throughout the day - organised by WHBC and Love Hatfield.

These include a goodie-bag giveaway - for both children and adults - in White Lion Square, a photo opportunity with Santa, and a market from 9am until 4pm.

Shoppers can also enjoy a performance form the Somewhere to Sing Choir at 11am in White Lion Square, and children and families can join staff at Hatfield Library for a story time session from 11.15am until 11.45am, and for a crafting event from midday until 1pm.

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In addition to events on the day, there is a Christmas shop window display competition ongoing until December 19, with shoppers voting on the favourite display and the winner receiving a trophy and certificate.

Local businesses joining in the festivities include The Glam Lodge, The Family Jewellers, Calamity Comics, Bronze Babes and Jo’s Hair Salon.

Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, executive member for environment at WHBC, said: “We are committed to supporting our local businesses and traders and are delighted to offer free parking in Hatfield Town Centre as a way of thanking our residents and visitors for their loyalty throughout the year.

"We hope that this will encourage more people to shop local and enjoy the festive activities that we have planned for the day.

"We also want to recognise the amazing work that Love Hatfield has done to improve the town and its community. We are grateful for their partnership and collaboration."