Last-minute changes allow Uppingham late-night shopping to go ahead despite bad weather

Shoppers came out in force to enjoy Christmas festivities despite the arrival of wet and windy weather.

Organisers of the late-night shopping event in Uppingham made a few last-minute changes to make sure the show could go on.

Some stallholders were able to move indoors and Corby Silver Band relocated to the church during the event on Thursday last week (December 5).

Organiser Paula Donaldson said: “A few of the traders cancelled but thankfully a lot of them still came and so did the people. The event was still going strong at 8.30pm and we had a lot of positive feedback from those who came.

“The town really pulled together to make sure the event could still happen.”

A park and ride service was available for the first time this year thanks to helpers from Voluntary Action Rutland who decorated their minibus with antlers and a flashing nose. Unfortunately the windy weather meant plans for another new attraction, in the shape of an inflatable snow globe, had to be abandoned.

Paula is already looking ahead to next year’s event which will take place on December 4. She hopes to meet with shopkeepers in the new year to discuss ways in which they can become more involved.

Anyone who would like to help plan next year’s event can email pauladonaldson2008@googlemail.com

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