A BASINGSTOKE shopping centre is in the running for five coveted Sceptre Awards this year.

Festival Place has been recognised for its strategies and initiatives.

The Sceptre Awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Lancaster, London, on October 9.

These awards honour outstanding performance in the shopping industry, casting a spotlight on the best management teams, retailers, and suppliers in the UK.

This year, Festival Place has cinched nominations in a range of categories.

READ MORE: Shopping centre awarded for dedication to sustainability and the environment

Among the nominations, the ShopKind initiative has earned it a spot in the Innovation of the Year category. This campaign, launched post-Covid in 2020, supports the important role of shopworkers and aims to raise awareness of violence and abuse against them.

Festival Place's commitment to inclusivity is applauded in the Diversity and Inclusion Scheme of the Year category.

This is due to its support for the We Support Deaf Awareness campaign.

Founded by local deaf campaigner Simon Houghton, the campaign has been endorsed by Festival Place since January 2022, promoting better communication with the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

The shopping centre's creative '12 Days of Christmas' celebration also captivated the Sceptre judges, placing it in the running for Christmas Campaign of the Year.

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The campaign included live performances, family crafts, photo opportunities, and supported local charities including Basingstoke Foodbank and St Michael’s Hospice.

Festival Place's success in becoming a pet-friendly space merits its nomination in the Community Initiative of the Year South category.

The shopping centre seeks to enhance the shopping experience for dog owners by being home to over 110 dog-friendly stores.

Lastly, Festival Place is also vying for the Security Team of the Year accolade, a testament to its stellar security practices.

FP head of operations Gary Cooper said: "To be shortlisted for five prestigious Sceptre Awards is testament to the hard work of all those involved and highlights our support for our fantastic local community.

"We are so proud of all our teams involved as well as the great initiatives we have both set up and supported."