As a member of the Andover community, I am always delighted to witness the positive impact of collaboration in our town. This Halloween, our community came together, bringing families into the heart of Andover and showcasing the benefits of such actions for our town centre

Both the Andover Halloween Hunt held on Saturday and the Town Centre Trick or Treat Party that took place on Tuesday were delightful and safe Halloween events that exemplified the value of working together.

They both provided fun and excitement that brightened the streets with the laughter and enjoyment of children and adults.

Families embarked on a journey through the town, visiting shops and taking part in a display of unity.

Andover Advertiser: Andover spooksAndover spooks (Image: Mark Paine)

Working together means shared resources and shared promotion, casting a wider net to get the message out there, which is crucial for community events like these.

The Saturday Halloween trail in conjunction with Test Valley Borough Council highlights how collaboration with local authorities can enhance community events and promote a positive town experience.

The party atmosphere that brought the town alive at Tuesday night’s wonderful event was made possible thanks to the efforts of Andover Community Events, InAndover from BID, Andover Radio, and Illusion Events Hire, who provided entertainment that contributed to the festivity. Their collaboration not only made the Trick or Treat Trail a success but also demonstrated the power of community togetherness.

Additional kudos go out to the businesses and stallholders who eagerly participated. Their support shows that local businesses play an essential role in creating vibrant town centres.   There were a record number of businesses that were keen to get involved in both of these events this year and those taking part didn’t seem to mind the extra walking involved!!

The true stars of the event, of course, were the families in creative costumes that brought these events to life. Their enthusiasm and spirit illuminated Andover and brought warmth to our town's heart.

Moreover, these events encourage people to come into town and have a positive experience by visiting all the businesses on the trail. They serve as a reminder of the fantastic shops Andover has to offer, supporting them and also the restaurants and pubs where people could enjoy sustenance after the long and enjoyable trails.

We must remember that Andover will thrive through collaboration and unity. Those who seek to divide will not help our town; instead, they will hinder the progress we can achieve when we work as one. Let us always remember the power of coming together, just as we did during the Halloween festivities.

In conclusion, our town's heart beats strong when we come together as a community. The Halloween events were an example of how positivity, collaboration, and unity can bring joy to Andover and provide benefits to our town centre.

As we move forward, let's continue to embrace these principles and work together for a brighter Andover, supporting our businesses and enjoying the wonderful experiences our town has to offer.

Shelley Coburn

Andover BID