The first evening of Late Night Shopping on Friday 4th December was magical and full of Christmas spirit. The Christmas-lit streets of Kirkby Lonsdale were filled with sparkling trees and festive Christmas Windows, while the angelic sound of live carol musicians jingled its way through the frosty air between 5 and 7.30pm. Most of all, the impressive Christmas tree in the market square twinkled like the North Star guiding Late Night Shoppers and Santa’s helpers alike.
The first Lantern Walk took place at 4.30pm, where the guests were met at the Christmas tree with warming mulled wine and mince pies while the children were treated to fudge. From there the journey through the tales of Kirkby Lonsdale began as each person carried their own lantern to ignite the stories within the town’s shadows. It certainly was very magical…
…Not to mention the local businesses and their seasonal displays – the shopkeepers have outdone themselves this year in a collective effort to bring Christmas cheer to the town. Each shop also wishes to win the Christmas Window Competition and the £125 cash prize at the end:
Queen Elizabeth School
At the Tourist Information Centre, QES have created symbolic rainbow Christmas wreaths and origami butterflies as a sign of hope in the face of the current Coronavirus Pandemic. This wonderful window is part of the school’s ‘Social Butterfly’ art project which aims to help mental health and healing during these testing times. They are also raising money for Brathay Trust’s Young Minds Matter initiative. Come into store during Late Night Shopping and support them by browsing their selection of gifts.
Bumblebee Gallery
Bumblee Gallery particularly impressed us with its beautiful Christmas window which illuminates the artistry of sustainability. The cascade of angelic Christmas lights is wonderous and most of the work displayed in the window is upcycled, recycled or eco-friendly. Full of precious presents, Bumbleebee Gallery have highlighted local artists Julian and Freyja: Carnforth artist Julian creates ominous insects, which he calls forensic alchemy, by reclaiming unvalued materials and transforming them into something beautiful just in time for Christmas; Kendal artist Freyja’s spirited creations are made from donated scraps of fabric. The community contribution behind Freyja’s pieces make them that much more romantic – perfect for a special Christmas gift!
The Sweet Shop
The Sweet Shop also created a Santa-approved window this December as the shoppers were transported to the North Pole in search of their Christmas treats. You can find Harry Potter sweets and unicorn Christmas cakes inside – perfect for stocking fillers and the whole family. I couldn’t think of anything more perfect on Christmas morning, could you? If they win the Christmas Window Competition they plan to give their prize money to charity in true giving spirit.
From all of us at Kirkby Lonsdale CIC, we hope you had a wonderful time at Late Night Shopping, and we can’t wait to do it all again. We hope to see you this Friday 11th December to support local businesses in a socially distanced and festive fashion. We might even have a few more surprises in store for you…
