Mixed views on Coca-Cola truck’s Chichester visit

HOLIDAYS are coming to Chichester tomorrow, but not everyone is feeling festive about the idea.
The Coca-Cola truckThe Coca-Cola truck
The Coca-Cola truck

Coca-Cola is bringing its famous lorry to East Street from 1pm to 9pm tomorrow (December 20).

When the news was announced on our website in November, it quickly became our second biggest online story of the year, with thousands of readers sharing the link.

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Kim Long, from Chichester BID, which worked with Coca-Cola to co-ordinate the visit said at the time it would increase footfall in the city centre.

She also said it would bring something ‘new and different’ to the city.

However, while some readers shared their excitement about the visit, others questioned whether the city should be welcoming a large corporation.

Geoffrey Thompson said he was opposed to the visit for ‘environmental, humanitarian and health reasons’.

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Chichester was chosen for the visit after being identified as a ‘kindness hotspot’. Redshift, the company commissioned by Coca-Cola to find the kindest cities, said they were places where people went above and beyond the call of duty to help others.

However, writing on her blog this week, Whipped & Baked owner Aida Stephens said: “We do not want any part in your plot to commodify kindness for the purpose of advertising.”

She also raised concerns about the cost of staging the event: “The business development levy that I am obliged to pay has in some way gone to paying for the manpower that has made this event possible.

“And what’s worse, we are to be grateful and honoured for the privilege.”

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The Coca-Cola lorry will be in Portsmouth and Chichester tomorrow before heading to Brighton the next day (December 21).

Visitors will be able to have their photograph taken with the truck and the area will be transformed into a snowy winter wonderland with carols and elves serving Coca-Cola drinks.