www.visitaylesbury.co.uk Winter 2017

Welcome to Aylesbury A bustling market town in the heart of picturesque Buckinghamshire. Blending history with the attractions of a modern town, Aylesbury offers something for everyone - from the Heritage Trail and regular markets in the historic, cobbled Market Square to an eclectic mix of independent retailers. The town centre is host to an amazing programme of events and entertainment, making it a truly unique experience for both residents and visitors. This guide will tell you what is on and where, as well as giving you details of attractions and shops within the town. Aylesbury is proud to have achieved Purple Flag status in recognition of the town’s evening economy and you will find many opportunities in this guide for entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable nights out (see page 4 for further information). There is a handy map at the back of the guide to help you find your way around, which includes locations of cafés and restaurants if you’re in need of some rest and relaxation after all that shopping and entertainment!

The importance of the town centre for events and arts has been recognised and documented in the Aylesbury Town Centre Plan, which sets out our vision to grow Aylesbury. Aylesbury is part way through an exciting multi-million-pound improvement programme. The town centre has seen a major change in the last few years with the opening of the Waterside Theatre, Waitrose, Travelodge and University Campus Aylesbury Vale (UCAV). There have also been improvements to the canal basin, Vale Park and public spaces - and there’s plenty more to come.

Aylesbury continues its development with the Waterside North project now known as The Exchange, incorporating new restaurants and apartments.

For further information on what to do in Aylesbury and the improvement programme go to www.visitaylesbury.co.uk which features up-to-date details on events and nightlife plus offers from town centre businesses.

Index2/3 Welcome and Shopping

4/5 Nightlife and Parking6/7 Markets

8/9 Annual favourites10/11 Festive dates for your diary12/13 Things to do and Contacts

14/15 Map, including Places To Eat16 Shopping Centre opening hours

ShoppingThe town boasts three main shopping centres: Friars Square, Hale Leys and Aylesbury Shopping Park, all of which offer many well-known high street retailers. For information including opening times and retail outlets, please visit each shopping centre’s website: Friars Square - www.friarssquareshopping.com, Hale Leys - www.haleleys.co.uk and Aylesbury Shopping Park - www.aylesburyshoppingpark.co.uk.Other excellent hunting grounds for quality and reasonably priced

goods as well as independent shops are the High Street, Kingsbury, Market Street, Cambridge Street and Buckingham Street. As well as national and independent shops, Aylesbury has several attractions where you can find unique gifts and treats, such as St Mary’s Church and the Bucks County Museum Shop.

Available in Hale Leys and Friars Square shopping centres Amazon Lockers are self-service kiosks where customers can collect or return their Amazon parcels at a time that’s convenient for them. Great way to do your Christmas shopping or have a gift delivered without anybody finding out.For further information visit www.amazon.co.uk

Click and CollectMany shops in Aylesbury offer a click and collect service, where you can purchase products online and collect them in-store.

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• Community Safety Partnership

• Aylesbury Business Against Crime

• Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership

• Pubwatch

• Community led partnerships including the Street Angels

• Licensing committee

• Thames Valley Police

NightlifeWe are proud to have been holders of the Purple Flag since 2011. The achievement of becoming a Purple Flag award holder is truly a partnership approach in Aylesbury.There is a common purpose and aim between groups to ensure that Aylesbury Town is a place where spending leisure time is an enjoyable and safe experience.The working group has been represented by the following partners (in purple box):

Our efforts are focussed on the following areas to maximise your night out.

SafetySafety in the town is paramount and all activities are monitored by CCTV cameras, and door staff are fully accredited in safety and well-being. Additionally on a regular basis you will see Street Angels assisting anyone who is vulnerable.

CleanlinessWe are keen to maintain the cleanliness in town and the cleaning regime is based on ensuring that the Environmental Protection Act Code of Practice on Litter is always maintained as a minimum standard. This cleaning regime ensures the town centre is cleansed between the hours of 6am and 8am each day and that the town remains clean throughout the day until at least 8pm.

TransportThe railway and bus stations are close to the town centre with easy access and operation into late evening. The transport hub located outside the library provides real time passenger information to assist in your journey home. We have a number of instantly recognisable black taxis ranked in central locations – please see map on page 14 for your information.

Night outThere are over 60 food and beverage eateries in town (locations can be found on page 14) which are coupled with a range of pubs and bars including a pool bar and several night clubs open until 2am.

Parking information Aylesbury has a range of short and long term car parks within and close to the town centre. All AVDC car parks are open 24 hours a day, with the exception of Hampden House which closes at 10pm and Friarscroft which closes at 8.30pm. www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/parking

Other parking is available at Friars Square Car Park, Station Way which is open 7am - 7pm Monday to Saturday, Sundays and Bank Holidays 10am – 5pm.

Aylesbury is well equipped for cycle parking, with over 250 free bike parking spaces in and around the town centre. See www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/parking for details.

Free parking from 4.30pm every Thursday from 7 December until Christmas inAVDC Aylesbury town centre car parks and Friars Square Car Park.

Blue Badge holders

Blue Badge holders need to pay at Walton Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Hale Street Car Park and the 30-minute bays in the Exchange Street Car Park. All other car parks in Aylesbury are free to Blue Badge holders as long as the vehicle is parked within a marked bay and displaying a valid badge. Disabled badge holders can park in a regular bay free of charge if no disabled bays are available. Blue Badge holders do not have dispensation to park in the market trader bays or motorcycle bays on Exchange Street. Parking is free in the Upper Hundreds Multi-Storey Car Park when the badge holder has their Blue Badge and the Barrier Car is validated at the kiosk in the Upper Hundreds during office hours. The Blue Badge must be displayed in the vehicle. Disabled badge holders cannot park in Shopmobility bays unless they are using the facilities during the hours of operation.

ShopmobilityShopmobility is a scheme to allow anyone with a mobility problem, whether temporary or permanent, to get out and about in Aylesbury town centre. Manual and powered wheelchairs, scooters and walking aids can be borrowed. Donations welcome. Shopmobility is situated on the ground floor of the Upper Hundreds Car Park. Tel: 01296 336725

Shopmobility was founded by a gentleman called Tom Hillier over 25 years ago and Aylesbury has been fortunate enough to have this amazing scheme for 20 years. For those who don’t know what Shopmobility is, it’s a place where people can come and use a scooter or wheelchair to go round the town to do their shopping for free! There are no age restrictions or need to be a blue badge holder. All you need is a reason to need it and we will be here for you.

We are the country’s best Shopmobility and the only one to have won the Tom Hiller award twice in its history. In 2015 we were also runners up for a Dignity in Care award at the Buckinghamshire County Council Awards. We pride ourselves on going that extra mile for our customers and making everyday difficult tasks less stressful. We also get to know our customers and they very soon become friends of Shopmobility. We also work with other organisations such as the Medical Detection Dogs, Aylesbury Youth Action, Chiltern Rail and much more. We also provide talks if you are part of any organisations you feel would benefit from using our scheme.

If you would like any more information about the scheme you can find us online or call us on 01296 336 725. We would be happy to answers any questions and show you around our shop. www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/shopmobility-aylesbury

Transport informationwww.arrivabus.co.uk - www.travelinesoutheast.org.uk - Black cabs 01296 422222

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Regular stalls include:Fruit and veg,

fresh meat, fresh fish, handbags and

luggage, mobile phone accessories, hats and gloves, cut flowers and bedding plants,

dog beds, Italian bread and delicacies, ladies

costume jewellery and handcrafted wooden items.

Get ready for Christmas! Enjoy the hustle and bustle of last

minute Christmas shopping, pick up

your fresh fruit and veg for Christmas

dinner and maybe a few final gifts while

soaking up the festive atmosphere in Market Square.

Markets in Christmas week

Tuesday 19 December 9am – 2pm

Wednesday 20 December 9am – 4pm

Thursday 21 December 9am – 6.30pm

Friday 22 December 9am – 4pm

Saturday 23 December 9am – 4pm

Sunday 24 December 10am – 4pm

Vintage and Craft BazaarEvery Tuesday 9am – 2pm

Every Tuesday 9am – 2pm

Come to the weekly Vintage and Craft Bazaar, where you can find unique items from handmade jewellery and gifts to antique home furnishings, collectable books and vinyl and retro ornaments and accessories.

Foodie Fridays regular stalls include eggs,bread, cakes, cheese, honey, sausages, fresh meat, fish,fruit and vegetables. Italian delicacies and street food including Caribbean,Greek and Japanese.

Every friday9a.m. - 4p.m.

market square

Take a look at Aylesbury’s new websiteYou’ll find everything you need to know about Aylesbury town centre including entertainment, events, history, culture, gigs, places to eat and nightlife. You’ll also find fantastic offers from town centre businesses.

www.visitaylesbury.co.uk

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After the parade, there is a range of entertainment including go-karts, a small fun fair and donkey rides.

Why not start your Christmas shopping on the day too, with the town hosting an array of national and independent shops.

See the impressive family Santa’s Dash leave Kingsbury at 9am and run through town in aid of charity. If you want to join in this worthwhile fun run, email duevents@outlook.com. Alternatively, booking forms are available from Dead Universe Comics, Bourbon Street, or the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Walton Street.

Christmas Craft and Gift FairSunday 3 December 11am -3pmCome and discover a wealth of unusual gifts for your loved ones this Christmas. Take a leisurely stroll around the Christmas Craft and Gift Fair based in the beautiful Market Square.

Discover personal, handcrafted and unique Christmas gifts whilst enjoying festive music from a live jazz band and local performers.

These events have been brought to you by the Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership - a team of local businesses, councils and organisations working hard to improve Aylesbury. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Aylesbury Town Centre!

If you fancy a spot of late night Christmas shopping, parking willbe free from 4.30pm Thursday evenings in AVDC’s Aylesbury towncentre car parks from 7 December.

(Information correct at time of going to press)

Shopping EventThursday 21 December 9am – 6.30pmLots of stalls on Market Square with ideas for Christmas shopping. Enjoy music, entertainment and German sausages whilst you browse the stalls.

Annual FavouritesAylesbury Christmas Light Switch OnThursday 16 NovemberJoin in the fun in Aylesbury Town Centre to herald the start of Christmas. The ever popular Christmas Light Switch On, the event is hosted by Mix 96 and the Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership. It will take place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm in Market Square, along with a funfair in Kingsbury until 8.30pm. The lights will be switched on at 7pm and will be followed by a colourful fireworks display. There will also be a host of live acts performing throughout the event. The cast from this year’s panto - Sue Pollard, La Voix and Andy Collins - will be joined by the winner of The Whizzfizzing Festival fancy dress competition.

Why not grab a bite to eat from a range of street foodavailable, choosing from German sausages, hot roasted chestnuts,candy floss, fudge or fresh doughnuts and hot chocolate - or you can pick from one of the town’s many restaurants. There really is something for everyone!

If you fancy a spot of late night Christmas shopping, parking will be free from 4.30pm Thursday evenings in AVDC’s Aylesbury town centre car parks from 7 December.

Santa’s Sunday Fun day Sunday 26 November 10.45am – 3pm A real family favourite! This year the parade will be led by two unicorns pulling a beautiful carriage with Cinderella onboard. The parade will also include jumping elves, Betty Twinkle, a fairy in a cage carried by a gorilla, real donkeys, a samba band and a colourful array of music and dance groups.

The parade of characters and local groups will sing and dance their way through town at 10.45am, starting from the High Street and making their way around to Market Square.

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Festive dates for your diary: Aylesbury Town Centre

NovemberFri 3 November 11am – 12noonMuir Trust Residency talk by James Fox, textile artist Booking is essential - £5 Bucks County Museum

Sat 11 November 10am-4pmArt & Craft FairQueens Park Arts CentreEntry: £2 / £1 concessions

Sat 11 November – 9 DecemberOff the Wall Art Fair - Bucks County Museum

Sat 11 November 10am – 4pm Arts and Craft Fair Queens Park Arts Centre

Sat 25 November, 11am – 4pmBucks County Museum Christmas Craft Fair

DecemberFri 1 December – 9 DecemberOff the Wall Art Fair - Bucks County Museum

Sun 3 December 11 am - 3 pmChristmas Craft and Gift FairLooking for that different gift for a friend or family member, you should be able to find it in this plethora of unusual and unique stalls in Market Square.

Sun 3 December 5.30pm - 7pmMayor’s Carol service St Mary`s Church

Friday 8 December - 30 DecemberPinnochio (Christmas Pantomime)Limelight Theatre (performance times vary)Tickets: £13 adults / £9 concessions / £7 under-16s

Tuesday 5 December - 30 DecemberPop-up Christmas Craft ShopQueens Park Arts Centre

Sun 10 December 11am – 4pmFestive Family FunMarket Square and Friars SquareThis year has a Pantomime theme – with the 7 Dwarfs from the Waterside Theatre, Cinderella’s Glass Carriage to sit in, Dames, Prince Charming’s Quest, 10-minute puppet panto, naughty elves and so much free fun and interactivity.

Sun 10 December 6pm – 7pmCarol FestSt Mary’s ChurchEnjoy a relaxed sing-along to traditional carols in the warmth of St Mary’s Church.

Sat 16 DecemberSanta’s Amazing Science ExperienceDon’t miss this wonderful Christmas treat in the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery that includes an amazing festive science show packed with tricks and experiments to boggle your eyes and baffle your brain. This magical 45 minute experience ends with an appearance from Santa and a gift to take home. Booking essential. Please check website for times and prices.

Sat 16 December 2017 – 20 January 2018Christmas Toy Box - Bucks County MuseumCome and see what’s inside the Museum’s toy box and have fun remembering toys from your childhood. There will be plenty of toys and games to play with too.

Santa’s grotto opens Saturday 18 November For further details visit - www.friarssquareshopping.com/news-events

Christmas Light

Switch On

Thursday 16 November

5.30pm – 7.30pm Town Centre

See page 8 for further details

Santa’s Parade and Santa’s Dash Sunday 26 November Parade starts at 10.45am, activities 11am –3pm Town Centre

See page 9 for further details

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Things to doBucks County MuseumExplore displays and exhibitions plus the Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery.www.buckscountymuseum.org

Vale ParkAylesbury’s main park features a modern fenced play area, a multi games area suitable for football and basketball, a skate park and tennis courts.www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/parks

Aylesbury Heritage WalkA fascinating self-guided walk that gives an insight into the town’s architectural history. The booklet to accompany the walk costs just £1 and can be purchased from Bucks County Museum or the Town Council offices in Church Street. www.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

Aylesbury Waterside TheatreA modern venue hosting a range of entertainment from professional opera, classical and popular music, ballet and theatre through to community and amateur dramatics.www.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

Queens Park Arts CentreA fully community-based venue, the Queens Park Arts Centre offers over 60 arts and crafts workshops every week. The relaxed Limelight Theatre at the centre hosts a range of theatre, comedy and music. www.qpc.org

Odeon CinemaHosting a range of new releases each week as well as special screenings.www.odeon.co.uk

Aqua ValeFeaturing an eight lane 25-metre competition pool, an indoor leisure facility with a river ride and interactive flume and a heated outside pool. There is also a modern gym and fitness suite, a dance studio, sauna, soft play area and a café. www.everyoneactive.com

Rogue LeisureTry out tenpin bowling and indoor karting. The bowling centre offers 14 lanes of fun for all the family, plus a fully licensed bar and the Rogue Café serving hot and cold food. The kart track offers a 300-metre dual-level track, with all the adrenaline- filled excitement racing just centimetres off the ground can offer! www.RogueBowling.co.uk

ContactsAylesbury Vale District Council www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/AylesburyVale

Aylesbury Town Centre Partnership www.facebook.com/AylesburyVale

Aylesbury Markets (run by AVDC)

www.facebook.com/AylesburyVale

Aylesbury Town Councilwww.aylesburytowncouncil.gov.uk

www.facebook.com/AylesburyTC

Aylesbury Librarywww.buckscc.gov.uk/libraries

0845 230 3232

Aylesbury Waterside Theatrewww.atgtickets.com/Aylesbury

The Broad Leyswww.thebroadleys.co.uk

Bucks County Museumwww.buckscountymuseum.org

www.facebook.com/BucksMuseum

Dead Universe Comics www.facebook.com/DeadUniverse.Comics

Friars Square Shopping Centrewww.friarssquareshopping.com

www.facebook.com/FriarsSquareShoppingCentre

Hale Leys Shopping Centrewww.haleleys.co.uk

www.facebook.com/haleleys

Heritage Open Dayswww.heritageopendays.org.uk

Queens Park Arts Centrewww.qpc.org

St Mary’s Church01296 437641

www.aylesburychurches.org

www.aylesburylunchtimemusic.co.uk

Shoot Pool

www.lemonrock.com/shootpool

Mix 96 will again be collecting presents for

disadvantaged children across Buckinghamshire. Please drop a gift into the

studios on Bourbon Street during office hours in December (no need to

wrap your gift).

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BBC THREE COUNTIESBREAKFAST SHOW

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Martin Dodd forUK Productionsproudly presents

The must–see magical panto of them all!

*Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. **Calls charged at local rate. Phone and online bookings incur a transaction fee of £2.85. No fees for groups or in-person bookings. Tickets available from £11.75 subject to availability.

Fri 8 – Sun 31 Dec | 0844 871 7607*

Groups: 0333 009 5394** | atgtickets.com/aylesbury*

Tickets from £11.75* plus no booking fee to pay

Merry Christmas

from Aylesbury

Town Centre Partnership

Christmas 2017 Changes to

Shopping Hours in Aylesbury Town Centre

Santa’s Grotto opens 18 November see page 11 for further details.

Late night shopping every Thursday from 7 December until Christmas.

Free parking from 4.30pm every Thursday from 7 December until Christmas in

AVDC Aylesbury town centre car parks and Friars Square Car Park.

Shopping Hours

Date Friars Square Hale Leys Aylesbury Market

Thurs 16 November 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm No Market

Thurs 23 November 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm No Market

Fri 24 November 8am – 8pm 8.30am – 5.30pm 9am – 4pm

Sun 26 November 10.30am – 16.30pm 10am – 16.30pm No Market

Thurs 30 November 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm No Market

Thurs 7 December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm No Market

Thurs 14 December 9am – 8pm 9am – 8pm No Market

Fri 15 December 9am – 5.30pm 8.30am – 6pm 9am – 4pm

Sat 16 December 9am – 6pm 8.30am – 6pm 9am – 4pm

Sun 17 December 10.30am – 4.30pm 10.30am – 4.30pm No Market

Mon 18 December 9am – 8pm 8.30am – 7pm No Market

Tues 19 December 9am – 8pm 8.30am – 7pm 9am – 2pm

Wed 20 December 9am – 8pm 8.30am – 7pm 9am – 4pm

Thurs 21 December 9am – 8pm 8.30am – 8pm 9am – 6.30pm

Fri 22 December 9am – 8pm 8.30am – 7pm 9am – 4pm

Sat 23 December 9am – 8pm 8.30am – 6pm 9am – 4pm

Sun 24 December 10am – 4.pm 10am – 4.30pm 9am – 4pm

Mon 25 December Closed Closed Closed

Tues 26 December 10.30am - 4.30pm 10am - 5pm No Market

Wed 27 December 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm No Market

Thurs 28 December 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm No Market

Fri 29 December 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 4pm

Sat 30 December 9am – 6pm 9am – 5.30pm 9am – 4pm

Sun 31 December 10.30am - 4.30pm 10.30am - 4.30pm No Market

Mon 1 January (BH) 10.30am - 4.30pm 10am - 5pm No Market