Small is beautiful and independent retailers will get the chance show off their bespoke creations this weekend.

More than 50 Swale businesses have signed up to Small Business Saturday and are hoping to tempt Christmas shoppers off the well-trodden path to the big chains on Sittingbourne High Street and into less familiar territory.

Cllr Mike Cosgrove, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Swale is open for business big and small and this Saturday will be a real show-stopper.”

Sittingbourne High Street will feature a Christmas craft and produce market with plenty of original gifts on offer.

Sally Reeve, owner of Baileys coffee shop and sandwich bar, said she believed independent shops were an essential part of the retail landscape.

She said: “Baileys is a small family business and we think we offer much better customer service than the big chains.

“We get to know our customers and their families and we always go the extra mile.”

“It’s important that there is diversity in the High Street so that customers have a choice.”

There will be a barbecue outside Baileys on Saturday as part of the small business celebrations.

Mark Roach, co-owner of Stadium Sports in Sheerness High Street, said: “Stadium Sports is in its 30th year of business and our success is down to good customer service.

“We all shop on the internet or go to out-of-town centres nowadays, but it’s important to keep the high street going because that’s where you get the service and it’s a community too.”

The council’s economic development team has held business support events in the lead up to Small Business Saturday.

These have included a drop-in session for people looking for business help and advice at Sheppey Gateway in Sheerness and a seminar on exporting at UK Paper Leisure Club in Sittingbourne.

Shoppers can park in council car parks for free all day and, from Monday, December 8, until Wednesday, December 24, it will be free to park after 2pm in all council car parks.

There will also be free all-day parking at council car parks on Sunday, December 7, 14 and 21.