Thirty businesses in Burnham-On-Sea are to hold a late night shopping evening during the run-up to Christmas in a bid to encourage more people to do their festive shopping locally this year.
The event on Friday, December 2nd will be run from 5pm to 9pm and is being backed by a range of businesses.
The initiative is trader led, with the support of Burnham Chamber of Trade and Burnham Lions Club.
Organiser Phil Hemming, from Home Hardware, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Since the initial idea a week ago of a late night opening before Christmas the whole thing has snowballed with many town centre businesses agreeing to participate.”
.TRADERS TAKING PART INCLUDE:
Home Hardware,
Brooks and Son,
Truckles,
Kidz Stuff,
MI Games,
Peacocks,
Bastins,
New Look,
99p Store,
£1 shop,
Giggles,
Superdrug,
George Reed Galleries,
Julians,
Toy Cupboard,
Mix-It,
YMCA,
Sea Breeze Gallery,
TA8’s Bistro,
Burnham Shopping Centre,
GW Hurley (Newsagents),
Morrisons,
N-Hance,
DP Menswear,
Subway,
JD’s Home Comforts,
The Victoria Hotel,
Somerset and Dorset pub,
Sue Ryder,
Fit4All
Sentiments
Scotts Furnishings
Mr Beans
Material Needs
Sea Breeze
G W Hurley Books, Toys and Sports
Burnham Printing and Stationers
Cafe Aroma
Subway
“The idea was that in these doom and gloom times it would be nice to bring a bit of cheer to the town centre while we still have one.”
“We and many other shops, pubs and restaurants are planning special events, a free prize draw, mulled wine and mince pies and special offers in various establishments.”
“We just hope that the support from local people will give this event the backing it deserves and that this community spirit continues on into the New Year and we can halt the decline of our unique Town Centre.”
Father Christmas will be dropping in at the event, courtesy of Burnham Lions, who will also have a charity collection train float on show.
Phil added that two of his staff, Lyn and Wendy, deserve praise for taking on the concept and “taking it forward so enthusiastically.”
Meanwhile, preparations are also ongoing for the switch-on of Burnham’s Christmas lights on November 26th by author Terry Pratchett, as first featured here.
