The Christmas period may be drawing to a close but summer is beginning to heat up in Perth and there's more than one way to stay cool in the city this season.
From Boxing Day, shoppers taking advantage of post-Christmas sales can redeem a free beach towel when they spend a minimum of $50 in a single transaction on retail, food and beverage or entertainment within the City of Perth.
The promotion, which runs for four weeks from 26 December to 19 January, will see a new design by local WA artists Gungurra, Rebecca Mills, Amok Island and Anya Brock released every week.
Artist Rebecca Mills said her design, which depicts some loveable Western Australian icons, captures the fun of summer in Perth.
"My design features a little lost numbat on the banks of our beautiful Swan River, asking a black swan for directions home. I'm always drawn to things that are bright, colourful and fun and I think the towel caught a bit of that," she said.
"To me, summer in the city means balmy night-time restaurant and bar-hopping and spectacular experiences at Fringe World. It's full of music, great food and an amazing buzz – truly the best time to visit!".
The beach towels will be available for collection with proof of purchase on Fridays from 5pm to 8pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 2pm from redemption outlets in the Murray and Hay Street Malls. Terms and conditions apply and are available at visitperth.com.au
Giving city-goers the perfect excuse to put their beach towels to use, there will also be plenty of cool, water-themed activities taking place in Perth over the holiday period.
At Elizabeth Quay, City Splash will offer hours of free entertainment with a range of daring water slides, craft workshops and fun zones the kids will love. The event will run between 10am and 4pm every Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 19 January.
In the heart of the city, Summer Backyard presented by Forrest Chase will also be open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm until Australia Day, 26 January. With plenty of shaded seating and a DJ from 12 noon, it's the perfect place to relax in-between shopping or supervise the little ones while they play in the water labyrinth.
Chair Commissioner Andrew Hammond said as part of the City's extended Christmas and New Year Retail Activation Campaign, the initiatives would provide additional support to businesses in Perth's retail core during the post-Christmas period; a time when visitation and consumer spending has historically been at its lowest.
"We've seen a lot of excitement in the lead-up to Christmas and there's even more to enjoy in the city over the summer holidays and into the New Year thanks to the additional $1.4 million investment by the City to help bring people into the CBD and surrounds and support our retail sector," said Commissioner Hammond.
"By activating key retail spaces with vibrant events and activities, and through supporting major events such as the ATP Cup and Fringe World in 2020, the City will continue to collaborate with our local businesses and encourage people living and visiting in Perth to explore the expansive shopping, dining and entertainment experiences that the city has to offer.
"Perth's sunny weather paired with our unique mix of retail stores, bars and restaurants in close proximity to vibrant open spaces like Northbridge Piazza, Yagan Square and Elizabeth Quay make it an unbeatable destination to enjoy with your family and friends this summer."
Families heading into the city to shop for post-Christmas bargains and enjoy the variety of entertainment are encouraged to make the most of the City's free three-hour parking trial which will continue on weekends and public holidays at CPP carparks at Pier Street, His Majesty's and Perth Cultural Centre as well as sign-posted on-street locations. Full parking information is available at cityofperthparking.com.au
