The MP for North Herefordshire, Sir Bill Wiggin, attended a local VIP and stakeholder event in Bromyard last week. The aim of the event was to showcase the new interventions and artwork within the town – all of which were incredibly well-received.
For the past six months the council and local professionals have been working hard on new initiatives to drive increased footfall to Bromyard and the surrounding areas. These include vibrant artwork and murals throughout the town, including a giant bee buzzing around bright yellow gorse flower, beautiful Bromyard Bricks set into the walkway, and the Bromyard Bushel mural, which was a collaborative project with students from the Queen Elizabeth School highlighting language inspired by the reverse Ds on the ancient relic located in St Peter’s Church.
Visitors will also find magnified yellow grasses, festival logos in the cleaned-up underpass and a nod to Bromyard’s motoring and farming heritage. Visitors can scan the QR codes near the artwork to find out more about them and discover a full website promoting Bromyard and the businesses and events it has to offer. All this, plus the innovative wayfinding signs and posts, which include the many walks around the area and the Herefordshire Trail, all to enhance the visitor experience.
The controversial Bromyard branding which led to nationwide discussion has also been a hugely successful part of the project, with social media activity attracting a new audience to the town, and finally, activating the Market Square, with the launch of a monthly Sunday outdoor market. A market which has grown from eight producers in its first week, to more than 20 in October and putting Bromyard firmly on the map as a destination for fantastic local food and drink producers.
Sir Bill Wiggin, who gave an introductory speech before attendees enjoyed an interactive tour around the town, was just one of many VIPs. The event also welcomed Town Mayor Councillor Dr Dee Dunne-Thomas, Hereford High Sheriff Sarah de Rohan, Chairman of Herefordshire Council Sebastian Bowen and Lady McFarlane, Deputy Lord-Lieutenant – to name just a few!
The North Herefordshire MP said: “Bromyard has always been one of my favourite places, so I was excited to be invited down to see its hidden treasures.
“I love the artwork, the links with local food, the market and just the wonderful spirit of fighting back after covid. Everybody suffered through the pandemic in one way or another and to see Bromyard coming back so strongly just reflects so well on this part of the county.
“What we’re seeing now is a local town saying ‘come and visit us’ and that hasn’t happened before in the same way and as there’s so much to show off, I really hope people grab this opportunity and head on down to Bromyard because it is a lovely place.
Rachel Collison, Head of Operations at Nifty Communications who led on PR and social media for the project, added: “It was amazing to have so much support from local dignitaries, stakeholders, and businesses for the Destination Bromyard project. The positive atmosphere was reflective of the passion and enthusiasm the local team involved have for Bromyard and its future. This is just the beginning.”
“We hope to look back on this as an iconic moment in Bromyard’s history, as the town now looks to go from strength to strength.”
The Destination Bromyard exhibition was also available to the public on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th October at St Peter’s Church, Bromyard.
Bromyard and Winslow Council would like to extend its thanks to Rose Regeneration, K4 Architects, Nifty Communications, Foodscapes, Lucy Grafham, Jane Tudge and Herefordshire Council. For more information about Destination Bromyard and its new interventions, please visit www.destinationbromyard.com/