‘Tis the season to be jolly and as the party season gets in full swing, Leeds City Council, Visit Leeds, Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID) and Leeds Hotels & Venues Association (LHVA), are asking the people of Leeds and visitors to show a little kindness as they celebrate Christmas in the city.
The campaign has the backing of city centre retailers, bars, restaurants and hotels as well as taxi services and street wardens, asking party revellers and shoppers to show a little patience and kindness in the run up to the very busy Christmas period.
Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Economy, Culture and Education, Jonathan Pryor, said: “We are absolutely delighted that so many people decide to visit, shop and celebrate in our wonderful city and it is great to see crowds returning to city centres again after 18-months of uncertainty.
“The idea for the ‘Be Kind at Christmas’ campaign came from those at the frontline of customer facing businesses such as retail and hospitality as the combination of staff shortages in both areas, coupled with swelled numbers of visitors during this peak trading period, can lead to impatience and frayed tempers. We would ask that visitors show a little forbearance during this very busy time.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Wayne Topley, Chair of the Leeds Hotels & Venues Association (LHVA) and one of the instigators behind the campaign, he said: “We want everyone to have an enjoyable time as we move into the busy party season, and that includes our staff.
“Our front of house colleagues often witness the very best and the very worst behaviours. It’s going to be incredibly busy this year with lots of pent-up demand to party and we would ask revellers to show a little care and consideration for others, particularly our teams, who are working under extreme pressure during these peak periods.”
LeedsBID is pleased to support the ‘Be Kind this Christmas’ campaign, and the Christmas Hosts brought to the city by the BID this festive season are on hand to make sure that shoppers receive a warm welcome as they make their way through the bustling high street.
The Christmas Hosts, funded by the Welcome Back fund (WBF)/European Development Fund (ERDF), with support from Leeds City Council, are out and about in key pedestrianised parts of the city centre every Friday to Sunday (10.30 am – 6.30 pm) and every day from December 20th until Christmas Eve.
Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID said: “The Christmas Hosts are here to provide that all important welcome to Leeds and are on hand to help with essential information as well as bringing some festive cheer to the city centre.”
The campaign includes a number of posters displaying the ‘Be Kind this Christmas’ messages on multiple sites across the city centre. Hotels, bars and restaurants and participating retailers will also display the message in their venues, as well as adding the ‘Be Kind’ messaging to email and booking confirmation asking for customers’ patience during the busy Christmas period.
