BROMSGROVE businesses are being encouraged to consider increasing their opening hours to coincide with a visit to the town by a major international street theatre company.

The event, called ‘Mobile Hommes, a Sky Event’ has been organised through Bromsgrove District Council and will see trapeze artists and musicians performing above the town centre’s skyline.

The aerial spectacle will also include a procession running along the High Street from 5.45pm on Saturday, July 19 which the council is hoping will have a positive impact on town centre shops and the evening economy of Bromsgrove.

Councillor Michael Webb, whose portfolio covers economic development, said: “As a council we have invested in this event, and expect to see a solid return for our money. We will be also be carrying out economic impact assessments to determine how successful we have been.”

The French company ‘Mobile Hommes’ has cost the council £26,000, which includes preparations for their visit and road closures in the area.

As well as supporting the Bromsgrove Festival, ‘Mobile Hommes’ is the first event in a planned six-year programme to boost events in the town.

Councillor Webb added: “We expect hundreds of people to turn up to this event and this is an opportunity not to be missed by local businesses to show visitors and residents what Bromsgrove has to offer.”

For more information about the event, contact the district council’s arts and events team on 01527 881381 or visit transe-express.com.