Families got into the festive spirit at Spalding shopping event

Families were not deterred by the threat of bad weather to support a Christmas event which was held to showcase an ‘overlooked’ part of the town centre.

Spalding Town Forum along with a number businesses organised a Late Night Shopping event on Friday to celebrate The Crescent and its diverse range of shops.

While the threat of Storm Darragh and its yellow weather warning resulted in a number of other events being cancelled over the weekend, The Crescent event was still very well attended.

Santa’s Grotto had been sent up in Bookmark, which also offered prosecco and mince pies, while Rumblings were offering pulled brisket rolls.

Youngsters were also able to pick up a treat from The Grinch at Sedge Homes after getting a password from a helpful elf.

Spalding Community Choir entertained the crowds with traditional carols while some members of Spalding Brass Band and Holbeach Town Band got together to add a special festive touch to the event.

A number of stalls lined The Crescent, which was shut to traffic.

One of the people behind the event is Coun Ingrid Sheard - who was delighted with its success and promises that next year’s event will be bigger and better.

She said: “It was well attended. The weather did not deter some families from attending the grotto and taking part.

“People who came along said how wonderful the event was and felt the town needed more things like that to be spread around.

“Next year we are going to have an awful lot of things going on which will include The Crescent.

“The Crescent has been overlooked in the past and we want to highlight to people who wonderful it is and encourage them to support the businesses.”