About us
What we do
The Higham Ferrers Tourism, Business and Community Partnership was set up in 2002 by a group of volunteers who live locally and who are willing to devote time and energy to promoting the town, through tourism and regeneration activities.
What do we do?
The group works in partnership with local businesses, the Town Council and community groups, to stimulate interest, growth and community cohesion, and thus to support, facilitate and co-ordinate activity within the town.
Our committee is made up of people who encompass a wide range of interests in the town.
Which heritage site do we manage?
Tourism works in partnership with English Heritage to manage the important heritage site in the town – Chichele College.
This 15th-century building is not only used by a number of groups on a regular basis, but also now has a well-established medieval garden. Tourism has raised funds to improve the toilet facilities, providing disabled facilities with suitable access, and to restore the Cloister Garth garden area in 2012.
How do we raise money?
To fund such improvements we arrange or contribute to, a number of town activities:
Secret Gardens of Higham Ferrers – where approximately 16 gardens are opened each year in June
Christmas Sparkle – a winter fair, which was originally started by Tourism and is now a community wide event, bringing over 3000 people into the town
Chichele Garden Fair – brings together like-minded gardeners to enjoy talks and exhibitions, and a chance to buy plants and garden accessories
Town-wide Garage Sale – provides eager bargain hunters with the opportunity to walk round the town while giving local residents a chance to sell on their unwanted goods
Medieval Day, Coronation of King Charles III and other celebrations in the town – together with the Town Council, we help to ensure the smooth running of these events.
Chichele Garden Fair
Where does the money go?
We have provided, and contributed to, many community-wide projects:
replacement of Market Square trees
directional Finger signs in the Town Centre
disabled-friendly toilets at Chichele College
over 90 Christmas Trees on shops, businesses and houses in the centre of the town
entertainment for the Christmas Sparkle, Summer Celebrations and Medieval day events
renovation of the bells at St Mary’s Church
start-up grant for The Friends of St Mary’s
planting spring bulbs around the town
flowers and flower troughs in the High Street and Market Square
… and provided a variety of entertainment for visitors and residents of all age groups.
Contact us
Email: Higham Ferrers Tourism