CELEBRATIONS are in order for Yate Shopping Centre which is turning 50-years-old and organising a weekend of events to mark the occasion.


The shopping centre, which is one of the first US style shopping malls in the country, is turning 50-years-old this year and a weekend of musical celebrations will be put together in August for all to enjoy.


On Saturday, August 22 there will be a day of ‘Music through the Decades’ starting with 1960 through to current day hits, all played by tribute bands.


On the following day the headline act will be local favourites and chart toppers, The Wurzels, and they will be supported by local bands.


Tracy King, Yate Shopping Centre marketing manager, said: “This will be a real family occasion and the traders are being encouraged to get into the swing of things. We will be announcing the full line up of acts once they are finalised.”


Since its opening in 1965 the centre has seen many changes, and the centre will soon benefit from the new Yate Riverside £25 million cinema and leisure development which is underway and due to be finished by next Easter.


The West Walk has also changed significantly with the incorporation of Westgate Health Centre and next on the list is the potential enhancement of the retail element.


Crestbridge, the shopping centre owners, are also looking at further improvements to the existing residential accommodation in the centre.


Centre manager, Andy Lowrey: “Crestbridge always promised that they would invest in Yate for the future and with these recent improvements they have now invested approximately £40 million since they purchased the Centre 10 years ago.


“Thus these celebrations are as much a celebration of the 50th birthday as they are about the success of the centre which in the average year attracts over 12 million visitors a year.”