SHOPPERS ENJOY THE BUZZ OF LEWES LATE NIGHT SHOPPING
Once again, the Lewes Late Night Shopping event went exactly to plan, despite weather it was a great night for traders, residents and visitors alike. There was so much to do on the night, with stalls and attractions from Cliffe High Street up to the end of the High Street.
The event was jointly organised by Lewes Chamber of Commerce and the newly formed High Street Traders Association. Lewes District Council organised ‘Winter at Lewes Castle’ and Harvey’s Brewery held their annual yard event.
Queues for Santa’s Grotto were out of the door at Lewes House, a lovely treat for the kids, but for the parents as well with mulled wine while you wait!
This year 12 shops took part in the Town Trail taking participants through the town to different shops and organisations. Once the trail was completed competitors entered their form into a competition to win a Hamper donated by Harvey’s Brewery, a Stocking of Goodies donated by Viva Lewes or a Bags of Books Voucher donated by Lewes Chamber of Commerce.
One participant commented:
“Me and my son did enjoy the evening despite the inclement weather thanks. I thought it was a very good way of getting you to visit shops that you might not have been into before, for myself I had not visited quite a few of them before.”
The Best Dressed Window competition was a new addition to this year’s festivities and was kindly judged by the Mayor of Lewes, Cllr Janet Baah and Lewes Town Crier, Mr Jon Borthwick. Congratulations to everyone on their fantastic window displays… but there always needs to be a winner when it’s a competition!
1st Place – W.E. Clark & Son
2nd Place – Cordelia James
Joint 3rd Place – Harvey’s Brewery Shop & Riverside Flowers Lewes
A presentation will take place in January.
Most shops and organisations opened their doors until 8.30pm or 9pm, and welcomed people in, often offering prosecco, mulled wine and mince pies.
The good cause for the event this year was Rockinghorse Children’s Charity, a fantastic charity whose aim is to improve the lives of sick children throughout Sussex. Thanks to the generosity of shoppers we raised over £1000, an impressive amount for just one evening.
Traditionally the event itself has been organised by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce for over 30 years, and is always on the first Thursday in December, but it’s been great to have more input this year, setting a great benchmark to build a bigger and better event for 2019. It does have the effect now of kicking of the Christmas festivities in Lewes for many of those who attend.
If you would like to help organise the Lewes Late Night Shopping event in 2019, please email info@leweschamber.org.uk for more information.