"FREE Christmas Decorations

The Guildhall Shopping Centre is offering Christmas bar-swags to anyone that can offer them a good home. The Guildhall has recently purchased a new decorative scheme for the shopping centre and is now wanting to dispose of its old decorations. They are in very reasonable condition and each bar-swag is about 4ft in length and is decorated with Christmas baubles and lights. There are approximately 25 bar-swags that would be ideal for decorating shops, public areas, schools, restaurants, etc.

If anybody is interested, please contact Anne Graham on 01785 223107 or email anne@guildhallstafford.com. There is no charge for the decorations but they would need to be collected and transported at your own expense. If you are interested in all of them, or even one or two of them, then do get in touch before we make alternative arrangements to dispose of them.

Christmas Spirit comes to Guildhall

"Their was Christmas spirit in abundance at the Guildhall Shopping Centre on Saturday with a visit by the Comical Nun. The highly entertaining performer glided around the shopping centre with her piano and sang everything from rock 'n roll to Christmas Carols at the top of her voice. Customers and shop staff couldn't help but stop, stare and then collapse with laughter at the antics of the nun. "I can't believe what I've just seen" said one customer, "it was just so funny!!".

"Anne Graham, Marketing Manager for the Guildhall said, "this particular entertainer has gone down extremely well with our shoppers. On a very cold day, it has certainly lifted everybody's mood and helped people to enjoy doing their Christmas shopping".

Christmas Tree Festival in Stafford

We've been decorating our Christmas Tree in St Mary's Church in Stafford ready for the annual Christmas Tree Festival taking place from 1st - 7th December. Why not go along and take a look - with over 40 decorated trees it is quite lovely. the church will be open every day from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday 5th there will be a Victorian Christmas Carol Service starting at 4.30pm - all welcome and it's FREE.

Visit Santa in his Grotto

Visit Santa in his snow covered grotto at the Guildhall Shopping Centre this festive period. Santa will be visiting on Saturdays and Sundays and also from 20-23 December (11.00-4.00 each day). We charge a tiny 50p per child and all donations go to The Donna Louise Children's Hospice. Every child will receive a small gift from Santa.

Subscribe to our e:newsletter

If you would like to be the first to receive news of the latest offers from the Guildhall shops, then go to our website and subscribe to our FREE Newsletters. Our next e:newsletter will be sent out on Tuesday 8th November and it will contain details of Christmas offers as well as full listings of our Christmas trading hours and entertainments programme. Don't delay, sign up at www.guildhallstafford.com and be the first to know what's new and what's hot at the Guildhall this Christmas.

New Autumn/Winter stock now in at Store Twenty One

Store Twenty One in the Guildhall have now got their latest autumn and winter stock in store. Don't miss out - visit now and buy the latest fashion styles for the new season. Take advantage of their 'Spend and Save' scheme where for every £10 you spend you get a stamp on your collectors card and get up to £15 off your next purchase.

Christmas Planning starts early in Stafford

September is here so it must be nearly Christmas!! Or at least that's how it seems. The blue touch paper has been lit, and now everything seems to be about preparations for Christmas in Stafford. We have started planning a fabulous Christmas parade for Santa's arrival on 20th November and early bookings include not only Santa's reindeer and sleigh but also a gorgeous Land Train on which we will be offering free rides. Watch this space for more news of what we have got planned for a great Christmas in Stafford.

Spend & Save at JJB Sports

JJB Sports have just launched their new September promotion. Spend £30 or more in store to receive a £5 voucher to be spend in store during October. Alternatively, spend £50 or more and receive a £10 voucher that can be spent in store during October. This great offer is only available during September so hurry on down to JJB Sports in the Guildhall Shopping Centre, Stafford.

Free competition to be a Princess for our Parade

Santa is looking for a princess - enter the Guildhall's new children's competition for a chance to win a ride in a pony and carriage during Santa's Christmas Parade on Saturday 20th November. Simply tell us in 50 words or less why you would like to be a princess for a day. Open to children aged between 6 and 12 years of age. Conditions apply.

LOCAL TALENT WINS THE CHANCE TO PERFORM LIVE

Stafford singing sensation Georgia Stanway will be performing live at the Stafford Town Centre Christmas Light Switch On after winning the Guildhall Photo-Me X Factor booth competition.

Visitors to the Shopping Centre were given the opportunity to record their live performances and each one was uploaded to You Tube. Georgia won after receiving close to 2,000 hits to her performance of Mama Do by Pixie Lott.

Georgia who only recently started singing at Blessed William School will now perform on Saturday 20th November in the Market Square.

On hearing that she was the winner Georgia said;

"That's brilliant, I have been to the Light Switch On in the past, I can't believe I will be singing at it this year".

It was a closely fought battle with Sean Tudor and Ryan Wakelam, both from Stafford, coming 2nd and 3rd. They will each receive an iPod Shuffle courtesy of Photo-Me.

Amazing JJB Sports sale - 4 days only

The Guildhall Shopping Centre will be open on Bank Holiday Monday from 10.30am to 4.30pm and there will be free parking on both Sunday and Monday. Don't miss the massive JJB Sports sale taking place for the next 4 days. 3 for 2 on absolutely everything in store*. Sale must end on Monday so don't miss out.

* Cheapest item Free. Whilst stocks last.

'Simon Cowell' at the Guildhall, Stafford

X-Factor fans had to do a "double-take" on Saturday when they saw who they thought was Simon Cowell walking through the malls at the Guildhall Shopping Centre.

Timed to co-incide with the start of X-Factor auditions on the television, 'Simon' posed for photographs with many of his fans.

Have you got the X-Factor? Voting now open

Voting is now open for the X-Factor competition. Visit YouTube.com and search for 'Guildhall Shopping Centre' to see the 14 performances. View and vote for your favourite. The act with the most votes will get the opportunity to perform at the Stafford Christmas Lights Switch On and the two runners up will each receive an i-pod shuffle, courtesy of Photo Me.

Meet 'Simon Cowell' at the Guildhall

We've got a great Simon Cowell look-a-like down here at the Guildhall today. Tell your friends and get down here. Sing in the X-Factor booth and you could be in with the chance of performing live at the Stafford Christmas Lights Switch-on.

Meet 'Simon Cowell' at the Guildhall

Visit the Guildhall on Saturday 21st August and meet our Simon Cowell impersonator. Timed to coincide with the start of X-Factor on the TV, you can meet 'Simon' and have your photograph taken with him. 'Simon' will be at the Guildhall from 1200 noon to 3pm.

The Unbroken World Record

Organisers of the World Record Breaking attempt for the longest Welly Wearing Conga were disappointed at the low turnout for the event on Sunday.

Only 30 welly wearing participants turned up in Market Square in Stafford despite an intensive promotional campaign.

Anne Graham from the Guildhall said "I'm not sure what went so wrong - maybe peple were on holiday, maybe the good weather took people further afield or maybe the people of Stafford just aren't up for a challenge! It was very disappointing".

Chris Belyavin of the Donna Louise Children's Hospice added "We only needed 209 people to break the World Record and we really believed Staffordians would get behind this attempt. I was really saddened at the low turnout on Sunday, but still feel this is a World Record that can be broken. We will just have to shake ourselves down, come up with a new plan and try again.

20% off at ShakeAway

Visit ShakeAway in the Guildhall Shopping Centre before end of September 2010 and say the magic words "I enjoy lower calorie milkshakes" and your Shakette will give you a 20% discount on your purchase.

Search for a Star

Watch this space!!! Coming soon is news of a fantastic offer available only for the 'X-Factor' booth in the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Details of our Search for A Star auditions event will also be released soon. You could be performing for Beacon Radio or appear on stage in front of thousands at the Stafford Christmas Lights Switch-on Event. More details to follow soon. If you've got a talent for singing or dancing, we want to know about it. More details to follow soon.

Welly World Record

Help us set a new World Record. Have you got a pair of wellies? Do you want to have lots of fun? Then come on down to Stafford's Market Square on Sunday 15th August and join in our World Record attempt for the largest number of people wearing a pair of wellies and doing the Conga. Registration will start at 11.00am and the attempt will take place at 1200hrs.

There's lots more going on too with DJ Danny and his gunge tank as well as demonstrations of martial arts, keep fit and gymnastics. There will be comic performances of Tennis, Trophies and Tantrums at 11.30am, 12.45pm and 2.00pm so, dig out your wellies, and be in Stafford on Sunday 15th August.

Special Event at O2 to celebrate refurbishment

To celebrate the refurbishment of their 150th store, O2 at the Guildhall Shopping Centre are planning a special day of events on Saturday 7th August. Meet the 'O2 Angels' and receive one of hundreds of free giveaways. Also instore, Starbucks will be giving away free samples of their coffee, frapuccinos and muffins. Don't miss out, call in at the O2 store this Saturday from 9.00am.

A Welly World Record - help needed

Help us set a new World Record. Have you got a pair of wellies? Do you want to have lots of fun? Then come on down to Stafford's Market Square on Sunday 15th August and join in our World Record attempt for the largest number of people wearing a pair of wellies and doing the Conga. Registration will start at 11.00am and the attempt will take place at 1200hrs.

There's lots more going on too with DJ Danny and his gunge tank as well as demonstrations of martial arts, keep fit and gymnastics. There will be comic performances of Tennis, Trophies and Tantrums at 11.30am, 12.45pm and 2.00pm so, dig out your wellies, and be in Stafford on Sunday 15th August.

O2 - Open for Business

Visit the newly refurbished O2 store in the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Now open.

Luxury & Sports Cars on dislpay

More than a dozen Masseratis and Aston Martins were on display in Stafford's Market Square on Sunday 1st August worth an estimated £3 million. Enthusiasts and fans enjoyed the beauty of the sleek machines and stood in awe when the Market Square was filled by the roar of the engines when they all started-up at 1200 noon for 'the big roar'. The day was organised by the Guildhall Shopping Centre in association with The Donna Louise Children's Hospice and raised over £250 funds for the charity. Anne Graham, Marketing Manager at the Guildhall Shopping Centre, said "We were really pleased that so many cars came in for the day. Some had driven from as far as Bristol to be with us and we are so grateful to the people that gave up their time to help us create a spectacular event".

Location: Guildhall Shopping Centre, Stafford

2 for 3 on all Fiction at Waterstones

Now is the time to stock up on your holiday reading with a special offer at Waterstones in the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Choose any 3 fiction books from the hundreds on offer, and get the cheapest one FREE.

Offer ends 15th August.

Happy Birthday to ShakeAway

ShakeAway at the Guildhall Shopping Centre will be celebrating their 1st Anniversary at the Guildhall on Saturday 7th August. Visit them in store to meet their mascot "Cupman", sample the amazing range of milkshakes and get a free topping. Don't miss the new single being released on 16th August featuring Peter Dickson (VoiceOver man from X-Factor and E4) and The Shakettes, a pop group formed of ShakeAway customers. Follow the link www.theshakettes.co.uk to hear more.

Fragrance Shop - Now Open

The Fragrance Shop at the Guildhall Shopping Centre opened its doors to the public today (Wednesday 28th July) and are looking forward to their official opening on Saturday with some very special offers and giveaways. They will be giving away free goody bags to the first 150 customers through the doors on Saturday morning and it is worth getting up early to make sure you claim one as the bags will contain either a Lacoste Orange Body Lotion or a True Religion Overnight Bag. In addition, they will be giving away a free bottle of the new Hugo Boss 'Night' fragrance to the first gentleman through the door and a bottle of the Hugo Boss 'Orange Sunset' to the first lady to visit the store.
The new team at the Fragrance Shop look forward to welcoming you so why not pop in and treat yourself or a loved one to a special gift?

ShakeAway at the Guildhall Shopping Centre will be celebrating their 1st Anniversary at the Guildhall on Saturday 7th August. Visit them in store to meet their mascot "Cupman", sample the amazing range of milkshakes and join in with the fun.

The Fragrance Shop - delay to opening date

Due to technical difficulties, the opening of the new Fragrance Shop in the Guildhall, is being put back to Wednesday 28th July. Originally the store was due to open on Saturday 24th July but electrical problems have caused a delay. The official opening of the store will happen on Saturday 31st July and we will be posting more details as we get them, so ..... watch this space!!

Would you like to advertise you business to over 140,000 people a week? The Guildhall Shopping Centre has a range of advertising opportunities at very reasonable rates. Whether its banners, posters or even over the Centre's public address system, we can help raise your company profile to the wider Stafford audience. Visit www.guildhallstafford.com more information or contact Anne Graham, Marketing Manager on 01785 223107 today.

"It's Time to Get Active" - Stop this Vile Crime

Dame Anita Roddick, Founder of The Body Shop, was never one to shy away from issues others would avoid. It was inevitable that Anita had to react when she discovered the horrors of a modern day slave trade in our midst. Unfortunately Anita's death in 2007 meant her campaign against human trafficking had only just begun.

Inspired by her passion for justice, her work lives on as The Body Shop continue her fight with their latest campaign "Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People" in partnership with ECPAT International.


ECPAT International are a pioneering organisation having brought the issue of commercial sexual exploitation, especially that of child sex tourism, to the attention of world leaders and the global community in the early 1990s.


By purchasing a tube of the new Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream, you will be reaching out to the hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children and young people exploited by the commercial sex trade.


£3.45 from your purchase will be donated to ECPAT, for the fight to stop sex trafficking of children and young people in the UK and around the world.


For more information or if you want to get more involved in the fight against this vile crime, visit www.thebodyshop.com/stop or you can raise your hand in support and sign the Body Shop's petition online or in-store.

Bag a Bargain at the Guildhall

SALE * SALE * SALE and more SALES at the Guildhall Shopping Centre - Don't miss out on some fabulous late summer bargains with many shops offering a massive 70% off. Visit Wallis, Top Shop, River Island, Rigout Menswear, Evans, Carbon, CMD Womenswear or Store Twenty One for fabulous fashions or Claire's Accessories, Jeff Bains or Clarks for beautiful shoes, bags and other accessories.

Heroes Day in Market Square

Volunteers from local emergency and military organisations supported the Guildhall's Heroes Day in Market Square on Sunday 18th July 2010. Music and marching from the Cadet Corps of the Grenadier Guards and displays from Staffordshire Regiment, SSAFA, Staffordshire Search and Rescue and Staffordshire Fire & Rescue created a great atmosphere to celebrate the fantastic work of these organisations.

New Kits now available at JJB Sports

JJB Sports have now got the new Manchester United (Home) kit and the Liverpool and Arsenal (Away) kits in store. Buy the full kit of shirt, shorts and socks and get the name and number of your choice printed absolutely FREE.

FREE Fun for the kids at the Children's Fun Week

Have you registered your children for our Children's Fun Week? This ever popular event is now in its fourth year and places are limited. Don't delay, call Anne or Lindsey on 01785 223107 or visit our website for more details.

Tell us what you like

Do you have a view about the Guildhall and Stafford Town Centre? Would you like to tell us what you think of the Guildhall and how it could be improved? The Guildhall is setting up a Focus Group to gain an insight to what we are doing right and what could be made better. If you can spare a couple of hours and if youwould like to earn some Guildhall Shopping vouchers, log on to our website for more information or send us an email at info@guildhallstafford.com.

Stafford Grand Prix Cycle Race 2010

The first Grand Prix Cycle Race took place on the streets of Stafford Town Centre on the evening of Thursday 8th July. The event was also televised on EuroSport and attracted a good crowd into the town centre.

Summer Sundays

Information is now available for our 3 Summer Sunday events starting on Sunday 18th July with our "Heroes Day". Pick a leaflet on the malls or visit our website at www.guildhallstafford.com.

"Dress Like the WAGS", the Guildhall's annual fashion event, took place on Saturday 3rd July 2010. It was a colourful event with lots of lovely summer fashions as well as make-up makeovers, live music and colour technology consultations. See a sample of what took place in our photos.

Children's Fun Week - 23-27 August 2010

Bookings are now being taken for our Children's Fun Week which will be held during the week of 23-27 August 2010. FREE workshops will be held each day at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm with a different theme each day.

Monday = Dream Catcher (creativity with feathers)
Tuesday = Scratch Art
Wednesday = Mask Making
Thursday = Puppet Making
Friday = Face Painting

Sessions are open to 4-12 year olds and early booking is recommended. Please call Anne or Lindsey on 01785 223107. More information is available at our website www.guildhallstafford.com.

The O2 store in the Guildhall would like to inform their customers that they will be closing for a refit on Saturday 10th July and will re-open on Saturday 31st July. Store Manager Keir Bellamy said "We are very excited about the new modern shopfit that is planned for the store. We know this will be a little inconvenient for our customers but we are sure the new shop refit will be well worth waiting for". Customers are advised that the nearest alternative store is the one in the Potteries Centre in Hanley.

Dress Like the WAGS - Saturday 3rd July 2010

Just 3 days to go until the Guildhall's fashion and accessory spectacular "Dress Like the WAGS". Make a date in your diary to be with us from 11.00am and see live music from Jemma Johnson, brilliant make-up makeovers by Bare Escentuals and colour and style consultations by Fashion Dream.