Welcome to our January newsletter, where we’re sharing a snapshot of town centre performance alongside an early look at our 2026 events programme!
Following another strong year of delivery, we’re starting 2026 with encouraging signs with footfall trends generally positive and a full programme ahead.
Town Centre Footfall – 2025 Snapshot
Data indicates positive trends across the town centre: (estimated)
- December footfall increased by 0.7% year-on-year, with 4k+ additional visits
- In 2025 area footfall was up by 30k+ visits, a 0.5% increase on the previous year
At street level, several areas are showing particularly strong estimated trends for 2025, examples below…
- Quarry Street zone (former pedestrianised section) recorded a major estimated uplift, with over 220k additional visits year-on-year, following reopening to vehicles and hosting large-scale community events
- Brandon Street zone has seen strong growth, with footfall up by over 24%, demonstrating increased movement beyond the main retail spine
- Cadzow Street zone has also recorded continued growth
Footfall figures are provided by Place Informatics and are derived from anonymised movement data.
2026 Events Programme – Free Trading for BID area Businesses
We’re now confirming our planned 2026 town centre events programme, running from March through to December.
As a BID area business, you can trade at our events free of charge (subject to space), including markets, gala days and major town centre celebrations. Free trading may not include partner events such as Comic Con.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Even if trading at events isn’t for you, they create valuable opportunities to:
- Distribute leaflets or offers
- Run in-store promotions linked to event days
- Get creative with themed displays, giveaways or collaborations
- Align activity with major footfall days such as Summerfest, and the Christmas Light Switch-On
- Become an event sponsor
2026 Event Highlights
Key dates include:
- International Women’s Day Market NEW
- Easter Gala Day
- Monthly Hamilton Markets
- Summerfest Gala Day
- Christmas Light Switch-On and Festive Markets
For more information on event plans – please use the link https://hamiltonourtown.co.uk/markets-events-2026/
Want to Take Part?
If you’d like to:
- Trade at one or more events
- Leaflet or promote your business during events
- Chat through creative ideas or partnerships
Drop us an email at info@hamiltonbid.org
Feature on our socials
If you’re not already taking advantage of our digital marketing via Hamilton Our Town socials (includes FREE professional photography) – drop us an email for more info.
Hub available for community use:
Our charity, Hamilton Business in The Community (HBIC) continues to have access to a great space for meetings and community engagement within the Regent Centre. Currently used by HIPY, Lanarkshire Pride CIC, Pub Watch and more – spaces are available for a donation to HBIC. Please contact us for more info!
Thanks, as always, for supporting Hamilton town centre
