News: Kings Walk ‘buzzing’ – a feature on the businesses

Have you visited Kings Walk recently? Work to refresh Kings Walk took place late last year, including the launch of a new website for businesses based there.

The Kings Walk Festival, held on 30 September 2023, proved a huge success. It showcased the refurbished and more welcoming area and the eclectic blend of businesses that operate there. The day was filled with opportunities for the public to try various activities from craft through to pilates, as well as sample delicious food and watch/listen to musical performances and DJs. Since the event, there has been an increase in footfall to the area.  Here’s a little snapshot of some of the businesses: 

South Downs Social achieved their highest day of sales during the festival and have now opened their upstairs area. This has created more café space and resident artists’ workshops. They have hosted a variety of events and groups and have a busy event schedule planned for spring and summer. They are now regularly exceeding their festival day sales record. 

The BellaCrafts Tea Rooms & Craft Centre have been extremely busy with the recent expansion of their craft shop. Footfall has increased which has also seen their opening hours extended. As always there’s a buzz around their workshops and events with Easter experiences, themed menu treats and jazz afternoons planned for future dates. They’ve even introduced a popular Painting & Pizza evening on Fridays! 

Winchester Pilates had fantastic feedback from members of the public who toured their studio and tried free, pop-up classes during the festival. They are excited about their relaunch this Easter with a new look and website. They are also launching expert-led sessions in nutrition, osteoporosis, physio & rehab and monthly Beginner Reformer Workshops. 

Sustainable fashion brand The Well Worn had a busy festival day and continue to host their successful workshops. They are now stocked in Percy Langley’s two London stores and are getting closer to their goal of one tonne of fabrics and garments reused. So far, they have remade, reworked and reused 782kg of vintage garments, antique fabrics and deadstock fabrics. To make this fabric would have used up 18,000,000 litres of water (enough to keep the average UK household going for 85 years!). 

Following the Kings Walk Festival, The Nutshell Arts Centre continued to have an incredible autumn/winter season where they welcomed people of all ages through their brand-new door. This culminated in the Alternative Christmas Makers’ Market which had over 2,500 attendees. Moving into the New Year, they launched a new monthly evening Jazz Club and lunch time Jazzbops concerts and have a full spring/summer programme including their regular comedy club.