The week before Christmas, during Late Night Shopping on Friday 18th December, Kirkby Lonsdale came together to celebrate the festive season and get ready for Christmas day. Once again, QES students Jack Elliott and Hannah Wickes filled the Christmas-lit streets with Christmas carols and The Royal Hotel was decorated with a special greeting from Kirkby Lonsdale to all the Late Night Shoppers. Everybody soaked up the magical atmosphere as they thought hard about what to buy their loved ones while the 25th edges closer.
The highlight of Late Night Shopping was the very special announcement of the winner of the Christmas Window Competition! Boo & Belle were featured on BBC Radio Cumbria to discuss their festive display and anticipation for the big announcement, while Lux Boutique joined us on Facebook Livestream to discuss their window and the success of Late Night Shopping. Then in a Virtual Award Show Allan Muirhead, the founder of Kirkby Lonsdale CIC, presented the £125 cash prize to the winning window display: The Milking Parlour!
Sarah and Ed Beattie at The Milking Parlour won the competition with their hand-illustrated window design which urged viewers to support each other and shop local in true 2020 style. Full of Christmas spirit, they plan to donate their prize money to support the refurbishment of the children’s play park in Kirkby Lonsdale. You can see the Milking Parlour’s inspirational window here along with the runners up The Sweet Shop and Borders Greengrocers.
However, every single Kirkby shop should be celebrated for their beautiful festive displays, which have come together to decorate the town and made it feel like Christmas as this unexpected year comes to an end. Here are a few more of the impressive festive displays which were high contenders in the competition:
The Zero Pantry
Zero Pantry’s all-natural and all-sustainable Christmas window is a fresh take on traditional festivities. We love their simple wreath and minimal Christmas tree with lots of eco-friendly Christmas presents – from scented candles to Christmas cookie packages. Visit during Late Night Shopping to find your last-minute Christmas gifts while also being kind to our beautiful planet.
Abrahams
Abrahams have a dramatic mask-themed Christmas window display this which plays ironically on the Covid-19 Pandemic. The tragedy and comedy masks capture the feel of the current Coronavirus Pandemic and the year we’ve all had while the bright red curtains remind us to keep festive! You’ll find international and exclusive Christmas presents in Abraham’s so have a browse when you’re Late Night Shopping.
The Card Gallery
A Christmas hotspot in town, The Card Gallery is the place to buy your Christmas cards this year – you might even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas and his elves making toys for children at the North Pole. The Card Gallery is also the perfect place for gift-wrapping and decoration essentials and everything you need to get ready for the big day.
Thank you for joining us last week at Late Night Shopping whether in the sparkling street sof Kirkby Lonsdale or virtually from the comfort of your own home. We look forward to seeing you once more this Tuesday 22ndDecember either in the streets or online for the final time before celebrating Christmas with our friends and families. Although things are certainly going to be different this year, we can still find ways to keep each other’s spirits high and rejoice with our loved ones.
From all of us at Kirkby Lonsdale CIC, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!