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You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/apr/23/newcastle-high-bridge-festival-portas
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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Festival shows off High Bridge's independent minded traders' ambition | Festival shows off High Bridge's independent minded traders' ambition |
| (about 1 month later) | |
| This weekend saw the first High Bridge Quarter festival, a day of live music, pop-up food markets, street entertainment, dancers and comedians. All this was arranged by a handful of local traders, with the intention of drawing custom away from the main shopping areas and into the narrow cobbled streets around High Bridge. | This weekend saw the first High Bridge Quarter festival, a day of live music, pop-up food markets, street entertainment, dancers and comedians. All this was arranged by a handful of local traders, with the intention of drawing custom away from the main shopping areas and into the narrow cobbled streets around High Bridge. |
| High Bridge is a bridge in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Literal in that it crosses a river now hidden deep underground and a metaphorical in that it links the Corinthian pillars of Grey Street (often voted the most beautiful street in the country) and the Bigg Market, the area synonymous with a Geordie night out and whatever hijinks that entails. | High Bridge is a bridge in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Literal in that it crosses a river now hidden deep underground and a metaphorical in that it links the Corinthian pillars of Grey Street (often voted the most beautiful street in the country) and the Bigg Market, the area synonymous with a Geordie night out and whatever hijinks that entails. |
| As the number of empty units on High Bridge has increased, so the number of shoppers has decreased, and in an area where popularity has fluctuated over the decades, business owners have decided now is the time to remind the public that they remain open for business. | As the number of empty units on High Bridge has increased, so the number of shoppers has decreased, and in an area where popularity has fluctuated over the decades, business owners have decided now is the time to remind the public that they remain open for business. |
| According to Elaine Sinclair, chair of the High Bridge Tenant's Association and owner of clothing retailer Freefall, the simple fact is that not enough shoppers know about the area, but insists the festival could signal the start of a recovery. | According to Elaine Sinclair, chair of the High Bridge Tenant's Association and owner of clothing retailer Freefall, the simple fact is that not enough shoppers know about the area, but insists the festival could signal the start of a recovery. |
| She said: | She said: |
| "The festival is about drawing people in and showing people what is here. With free food, pop-up markets and special offers we're giving them something special, away from the main streets. | "The festival is about drawing people in and showing people what is here. With free food, pop-up markets and special offers we're giving them something special, away from the main streets. |
| "This used to be a really busy area and it still has a fantastic independent vibe. All the shops are independently owned and they've all given total commitment to recreating the popularity which we used to enjoy." | "This used to be a really busy area and it still has a fantastic independent vibe. All the shops are independently owned and they've all given total commitment to recreating the popularity which we used to enjoy." |
| The group has applied for funding from the Portas Pilot, a pot of government money earmarked for the rejuvenation of the high street. | The group has applied for funding from the Portas Pilot, a pot of government money earmarked for the rejuvenation of the high street. |
| Elaine said: "Some entire towns have applied to the fund, but what are they going to spend it on? For a little area like ours, the Portas money would make a huge difference. We could host a Friday food market, a craft market on Sundays and we would be able to pay for better signage." | Elaine said: "Some entire towns have applied to the fund, but what are they going to spend it on? For a little area like ours, the Portas money would make a huge difference. We could host a Friday food market, a craft market on Sundays and we would be able to pay for better signage." |
| One of the newest arrivals on High Bridge is the Stand Comedy Club, which opened in October 2011. | One of the newest arrivals on High Bridge is the Stand Comedy Club, which opened in October 2011. |
| General Manager Richard Turner said: | General Manager Richard Turner said: |
| "Although we are fairly new on the scene, we have been welcomed into the group. The area has had its good times and bad times, but feels like we're on the up at the moment. | "Although we are fairly new on the scene, we have been welcomed into the group. The area has had its good times and bad times, but feels like we're on the up at the moment. |
| "This is a unique place responding to the corporatisation of the world. In this tiny corner we're fighting – and celebrating being on our own." | "This is a unique place responding to the corporatisation of the world. In this tiny corner we're fighting – and celebrating being on our own." |
| Independent music | Independent music |
| Marek Norvid, owner of music retailer RPM, has been on High Bridge since 2001 when the area was in a peak of popularity. | Marek Norvid, owner of music retailer RPM, has been on High Bridge since 2001 when the area was in a peak of popularity. |
| As a music retailer in a digital age, Marek is understandably keen to stress the importance of the independent trader. | As a music retailer in a digital age, Marek is understandably keen to stress the importance of the independent trader. |
| He said: | He said: |
| "This is a special place, it has real historic relevance. If we can fill these empty units, it would be the jewel in Newcastle's crown. | "This is a special place, it has real historic relevance. If we can fill these empty units, it would be the jewel in Newcastle's crown. |
| "The major chains have become boring and all city centres around the country now look the same. The value of the independent business is that they all have a unique character and are constantly looking out for the next great product, artist or brand. | "The major chains have become boring and all city centres around the country now look the same. The value of the independent business is that they all have a unique character and are constantly looking out for the next great product, artist or brand. |
| "There are plenty of niche-type shoppers in Newcastle, and we're just trying to let them know about this wonderful little area." | "There are plenty of niche-type shoppers in Newcastle, and we're just trying to let them know about this wonderful little area." |
| * Chris Hoy is a freelance journalist and blogs at: http://kickandchase.wordpress.com/ | * Chris Hoy is a freelance journalist and blogs at: http://kickandchase.wordpress.com/ |
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