Traders said on Sunday they had noticed a significant increase in foot traffic in The Levee on Saturday, when more than 50 businesses offered discounts up to 75 per cent.

Council also took entries in a competition offering a $2500 shopping spree as its major prize – expected to be drawn on Monday.

Maitland Toyworld owner Gareth Rodgers said his store did about double the trade compared to a usual Saturday.

“It the end of the summer school holidays when people have normally run out of money, so I was pleasantly surprised,” he said.

Blues Child owner Kristy Allomes said the day was “absolutely fantastic” and it “blew away” a normal Saturday’s trade.