tElfie Trail unwraps Christmas treasures on Telford high streets

A virtual campaign created by Visit Telford, the area’s official tourism organisation led by the visitor economy team at Telford & Wrekin Council, is bringing festive cheer to businesses in the run-up to their peak Christmas trading period.

The TElfie Trail has returned from the North Pole this Christmas to champion Telford’s market towns and attract visitors and shoppers from far and wide to do their seasonal shopping.

Visit Telford Facebook followers are following a fun reel of TElfie’s 12-day journey, which started on 1 December, where he is visiting Telford’s high streets and offering visitors a chance to win a daily early Christmas gift by guessing which high street and business, he is in. 

Visitors to the Facebook page can join TElfie as he explores magical emporiums of joy, delicious food and drink outlets, artisan studios, attractions and events and unwraps Christmas gems in Telford.  

Alongside the campaign, Visit Telford also has a dedicated Christmas themed section on its website which provides a guide for visitors and locals on things to do, what’s on, where to eat and stay during the festive season.   
 

Some of the Christmas highlights and events to look out for during a visit to Telford include the Telford Christmas Market in Telford town centre, Festive Winter Gardens at Telford Town Park, Victorian Christmas Weekends at Blists Hill, Festive Film Saturdays at the Orbitt in Wellington and the Polar Express at Telford Steam Railway.

Vonny Simons, Business Owner and founder of The Toybox in Ironbridge said: “This campaign really gets to the heart of what our high streets and independent businesses need right now.

“It’s about celebrating what is unique and showcasing it in a creative way so that consumers can see what it feels like to shop, explore, visit and enjoy the best of Telford whether that be shopping, dining or staying for a little break.”
On the trail, TElfie’s route is covering the high streets of Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, Wellington and Newport before heading to Madeley, Oakengates and Dawley. 
Cllr Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills, said: “We wanted to connect with visitors and locals and bring Christmas in Telford to life and what better way to do this than through the TElfie trail.
“This fun, virtual campaign is helping to attract new visitors to Telford, now and in the future, but also reminds our local community to explore more on their doorstep.  
“We want to really support our local businesses during this peak trading season, boost their market presence and attract footfall when they need it most.
“For visitors and locals there are so many local treasures to be unwrapped in Telford and this campaign is spreading festive cheer across high streets and amongst traders in the borough.”
You can find out more about Christmas in Telford including festive events, places to eat and drink, shopping experiences and where to stay here.