Free Parking Boost for Rutland Shoppers. Oakham and Uppingham, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Uppingham Late-Night Shopping, Oakham Late-Night Shopping

Free Festive Parking Boost for Rutland Shoppers

Rutland County Council is rolling out a fantastic festive gift for shoppers this year: free parking in all council-run public car parks across Oakham and Uppingham. This initiative is specifically designed to support local businesses during key shopping events, including Black Friday, late-night shopping, and the national Small Business Saturday campaign.

The move aims to make it easier for residents and visitors to support local retailers, cafes, and market traders, reinforcing the Council's commitment to maintaining the vibrancy of the County's market towns and increasing festive footfall.

Key Free Parking Dates

The free parking offer will be available on the following days:

• Black Friday (21 November): Free parking all day in all council-run car parks in Oakham and Uppingham, giving shoppers a head start on their Christmas purchases.

• Small Business Saturday (6 December): Free parking all day to encourage everyone to shop locally and support the independent traders that form the heart of Rutland's high streets.

• Uppingham Late-Night Shopping (4 December): Free parking from 3:00 PM onwards to coincide with the town's special evening event.

• Oakham Late-Night Shopping (15 December): Free parking from 3:00 PM onwards for the festive late-night event.

Supporting Local High Streets

Councillor Christine Wise, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Environment and Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the offer.

"We’re very pleased to again be supporting festive shopping events with the offer of free parking and the welcome boost they bring to our towns. I hope lots of people will take the opportunity to shop local and make the most of our fantastic independent retailers and small businesses in the run-up to Christmas."

The Council notes that while car park charges are being waived on these dates, on-street parking restrictions will remain in place, and any pre-paid parking sessions cannot be refunded.

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Event Information

Shoppers planning to visit Oakham's late-night shopping event on 15 December should note that the High Street will be closed, and the usual bus stops at Market Place will be temporarily moved to the Bus Station.

For more information on festive events and activities happening across the county, residents are encouraged to visit the Discover Rutland website. Details regarding the locations of council-run public car parks are available on the Rutland County Council website.

Rutland County Council Car Park Locations

The full details and locations of council-run public car parks in Oakham and Uppingham can be found on the Council's official website:

Rutland County Council Car Parks: www.rutland.gov.uk/roads-transport-parking/parking/council-car-parks

This page provides information on specific car parks in Oakham, including Brooke Road, Burley Road, Catmose, Church Street, South Street, and Westgate car parks.

Festive Events and Activities

For details about Christmas events, late-night shopping, and other activities across the county, you can visit the official tourism websites:

Discover Rutland: https://discover-rutland.co.uk/all/christmas/

Discover Oakham: https://discoveroakham.co.uk/upcoming-events/