Oakham late-night shopping event draws a crowd but will be the organiser’s last

People brought plenty of Christmas cheer to a festive community event.

Oakham’s late-night shopping took place last night (Monday) with stalls spread across High Street, Market Place, Oakham Castle and Victoria Hall.

Eighty traders attended the event with 30 selling food and drink for people to enjoy and the rest offering a range of craft items and gifts.

Entertainment was provided by singer Chris Poole and several primary school choirs. There was also a selection of fair rides and the opportunity for children to visit Santa in his grotto at The George Inn.

Organiser Carolyn Acton-Reed said: “Thank you so much to everyone who came.The town was packed full of people and I’ve had so many lovely comments from people attending the event, the shops and businesses that opened, and the traders.”

New organisers will be needed next year if the event is to continue as Carolyn is stepping down from the role.

She added: “These events take so much organising and it’s very hard work. I’ve been organising the late-night shopping events in Oakham for a number of years but I’ve got a new job and won’t have time to organise the late-night shopping any more so this will be my last.”

Uppingham’s late-night shopping event took place on Thursday last week but other Christmas events have been cancelled due to bad weather brought by Storm Bert in November and Storm Darragh over the weekend.

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