Town Centre Buzzing as Hundreds Celebrate First-Ever Centre Stage Richmond
The Liberal Democrat led council introduces festival that brings music, markets, and community spirit to Richmond High Street, with strong support from residents and local businesses
Richmond’s George Street was brought to life with music, markets, and family activities as hundreds of residents and visitors braved the showers to enjoy the inaugural Centre Stage Richmond festival, which won praise from local businesses and the community alike.
Richmond’s high street has always been at the heart of our community, a place where everyone comes together to shop, spend time with friends, and enjoy evenings out. With Centre Stage Richmond we showed how, with imagination and local leadership, we can bring new life to our town centre while keeping its unique character alive.
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council
Councillor Katie Mansfield, Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre, said:
"Centre Stage Richmond was a unique opportunity to bring George Street to life in a new way, showcasing local talent, supporting independent traders, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Even with the rain, it was a fantastic celebration of community, fun, and economic opportunity for local businesses."
Richmond’s high street has always been central to the local community but, like high streets everywhere, it now faces new challenges as shopping habits change and local traders adapt. Centre Stage Richmond breathed fresh energy into the heart of the town, showing how the high street can adapt to modern needs while keeping its unique character.
The festival programme offered something for all ages: children’s workshops, Mercury Prize-winning music performers, shows from the Orange Tree Theatre, skating, sustainable fashion, and a wide range of craft markets and cultural showcases. Families joined in activities, crowds danced until the very end, and businesses reported a welcome boost from the extra footfall.
While Centre Stage Richmond was a one-day event, it marks the beginning of a wider programme to help Richmond’s town centre thrive. With the Labour government threatening funding cuts for councils, the Liberal Democrats council will continue to work with the community, local businesses, and partners to ensure every step is realistic, locally shaped, and focused on delivering the greatest impact.