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Independents Day to Return to Westwood Cross
Westwood Cross, together with its charity partner, East Kent Mind, is set to celebrate small traders and promote positive mental wellbeing with the return of Independents Day on Saturday 27th September.
First launched in 2024, Westwood Cross Independents Day is a vibrant showcase of the quality and creativity of local businesses in and around Thanet. The event also provides a space for the community to come together in support of mental health awareness, with trader pitch fees donated directly to East Kent Mind to fund a range of wellbeing activities and vital mental health services.
With just under 50 independent businesses taking part, including Sue’Sea Arts, Pom Pom Crafts, The Dogg Shop, and Dinky Donuts, visitors can explore a fantastic mix of arts and crafts, artisan food, and handmade gifts. Alongside the shopping, families can enjoy a fun-filled day with fairground rides, princess meet-and-greets.
Independents Day will also mark the return of Westwood Cross’s Mall Talk campaign. Stickers with conversational prompts will be dotted around the event to encourage guests to initiate kind and meaningful conversations and spark connections.
This year, Westwood Cross is set to introduce two new partners: Barclays, which will bring its Fraud & Scams Bus to share vital knowledge about scams and frauds to help reduce financial stress; and Sports Connect UK, a registered NCFE and 1st 4 Sport Approved Centre, is set to deliver free activities throughout the day to promote how exercise can support good general wellbeing.
Centre Director at Westwood Cross, Fran Donovan, said, “We’re thrilled to bring Independents Day back for a second year, celebrating the incredible local businesses that make our community in Thanet so special.
First launched in 2024, Westwood Cross Independents Day is a vibrant showcase of the quality and creativity of local businesses in and around Thanet. The event also provides a space for the community to come together in support of mental health awareness, with trader pitch fees donated directly to East Kent Mind to fund a range of wellbeing activities and vital mental health services.
With just under 50 independent businesses taking part, including Sue’Sea Arts, Pom Pom Crafts, The Dogg Shop, and Dinky Donuts, visitors can explore a fantastic mix of arts and crafts, artisan food, and handmade gifts. Alongside the shopping, families can enjoy a fun-filled day with fairground rides, princess meet-and-greets.
Independents Day will also mark the return of Westwood Cross’s Mall Talk campaign. Stickers with conversational prompts will be dotted around the event to encourage guests to initiate kind and meaningful conversations and spark connections.
This year, Westwood Cross is set to introduce two new partners: Barclays, which will bring its Fraud & Scams Bus to share vital knowledge about scams and frauds to help reduce financial stress; and Sports Connect UK, a registered NCFE and 1st 4 Sport Approved Centre, is set to deliver free activities throughout the day to promote how exercise can support good general wellbeing.
Centre Director at Westwood Cross, Fran Donovan, said, “We’re thrilled to bring Independents Day back for a second year, celebrating the incredible local businesses that make our community in Thanet so special.
Saturday 27 September
Westwood Cross Shopping Centre
23 Margate Road Kent CT10 2BF
Westwood Cross’s Independents Day will be taking place in the Primark car park on Saturday 27th September from 10am – 5pm. Guests at Westwood Cross are advised that the Primark car park will be closed to vehicles during the event. However, ample parking will be available in the centre’s main car parks. For more information about this year’s line-up of businesses, activities, and entertainment, please visit the Westwood Cross website.
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