A street sale will return to central Rangiora this weekend after organisers said the first event attracted larger crowds than expected and delivered a boost for local businesses.

The Boutique Street Sale will run again on High Street from 10am until 2pm on Saturday as part of the Rangiora Midwinter Festival.

Festival organiser Natalia Baker said the response to the first sale had exceeded expectations, with large numbers of people visiting the town centre and supporting retailers.

The returning event will include shop discounts, buskers, games and entertainment.

The festival began on 13 July and runs until 26 July, with more than 50 events and activities being held across Rangiora.

Baker said the festival was created to bring more people into the town during the quieter winter period, while encouraging residents to reconnect with their community and support local businesses.

“I wanted to create something that would bring people together during winter while also supporting the businesses that make Rangiora such a special place,” Baker said.

“The response has honestly exceeded anything I imagined.”

This week’s programme includes evening workshops for adults, another late night shopping event and activities aimed at encouraging people to visit participating businesses.

A Snowflake Hunt has also been running throughout the festival, with hidden snowflakes offering discounts at local stores.

A gold star worth a $100 shopping voucher will be hidden on Thursday night, Friday and Saturday as part of the final days of the promotion.

A free outdoor movie night will be held at Good Street Lane on Saturday, with a family film screening at 5.30pm and an adults’ movie beginning at 8pm.

Free face painting and popcorn will also be available.

The festival will conclude with a Winter High Tea on Sunday afternoon, prepared by Joli Good Food.

Baker said one of the most encouraging parts of the festival had been the cooperation between local businesses.

“Instead of competing, they’ve collaborated to create something that benefits the whole town, and that’s something really special,” she said.

Hutwoods Business Strategy owner Ashleigh Woods joined the organising effort shortly before the festival began.

“I saw how much work Natalia had taken on by herself and wanted to help,” Woods said.

“It’s been amazing watching the community rally around the festival, and seeing businesses, families and volunteers all contribute to creating something that has brought so much life into Rangiora this winter.”

North Canterbury Enterprise provided $5,000 to help establish the festival, while Rachelle Morice and Allie Miller from Arizto sponsored the outdoor movie nights.