MOULSHAM Street will celebrate Independents’ Day this Saturday with an array of activities to mark the occasion.

The street is the city’s premier independent shopping quarter consisting of boutique shops, farm shops, hidden gems and even an art gallery.

Independents' Day is a national campaign that promotes and celebrates independent businesses across the UK. Now in its fourth year, the campaign has quickly become the voice of independent retailers to reach the local community who would like to support their local businesses.

There will be a road closure from Parkway up to St. John’s Church from 7am to 7pm.

The event kicks off at midday with fairground rides in The Bay Horse car park, the Jesters Show Choir, free face painting and the popular Punch and Judy Show.

The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Bob Villa, will also be attending the event, providing his support for local businesses in Chelmsford.

Chair of the Moulsham Street Traders Association, Pat Kennett, is looking forward to the event: “Moulsham Street is a fantastic place to visit, browse and buy that extra special something. We have traders with specialist knowledge, skills and expertise to give you a really good deal.

“We hope this family fun day will encourage residents back to their local traders and to visit Moulsham Street to see what is on offer.”

One hundred parking passes for the Moulsham Street car park in George Street will be given away for free and will be valid for three hours on Saturday. They will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis and can be collected from now until the day of the event from The Lemon Tree, The Futon Company or McCartney’s Estate Agents.