Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry CBD activation program, Thursdays on York hits ground running

A free weekly event designed to activate Albany’s CBD and draw people into the heart of the city is gaining traction according to its organisers, after clocking hundreds of visitors in the first three weeks.

Since the first iteration of Thursdays on York on September 25, Albany’s town square has been a bustle of activity for at least one night a week as people flock to enjoy the free mini-festival atmosphere.

The first in a series of programs planned by the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry to revitalise the city’s main street, the weekly event involves food vans, market stalls and a variety of buskers set up for anyone to enjoy.

For $15, children can enjoy unlimited use of the rotating amusement rides, which include bouncy castles, gladiator duels, obstacle courses, and Albany’s twist on a bucking bull — the mechanical whale.

ACCI chief executive Tracey Bridges said the plan to capitalise on late-night Thursday trading has done wonders for festival vendors, surrounding businesses and the general atmosphere of the main street.

“One of the food vendors said it was their best Thursday night of trade in Albany to date,” she said.

“We’ve also spoken to families who stayed on for dinner across the road at The Prem and further down York Street before returning to town square for a final bounce on the jumping castles before going home.

“That’s exactly what we hoped to achieve — more engagement for established traders on York Street as well as visiting vendors with a dose of fun and enjoyment.”

More than 550 amusement tickets have been sold, with more tickets being donated to the local not-for-profits and businesses including children’s support charity Wanslea, the local women’s shelter and Albany career firefighters who took to the streets protesting low pay earlier this month.

Even more patrons have enjoyed the free festivities at the square, drawn in by the sound of children playing and the musical stylings of acts such as Deon Utber, Hadyn Ward and Kaila Cuthbert.

The program is set to run until May 2026, when the colder, wetter weather will move activation works inside business premises down York Street and Stirling Terrace.

Ms Bridges said the winter activations would include things like food trails and retail treasure hunts.

“It’s all about finding that third space where the community can connect,” she said.

“There is a lot in store.”

Food vendors, market stallholders, buskers and performers interested in participating can contact ACCI via admin@albanycci.com.au for more information.

Tickets for the amusements are available on the ACCI website.