POCKLINGTON residents are being asked to speak up about Christmas late night shopping as the town's Chamber of Trade ponders major changes to the annual event.
The premier festive event has proved popular down the years but there have been calls to scrap it in favour of a more traditional celebration.
During early discussions to organise this year’s event, some shopkeepers questioned the current format s
aying it was “tacky” and failed to reflect the character of the town.
Usually held on the first Thursday in December, it was originally an opportunity for local shops to remain open into the evening to allow local residents a chance to shop locally for Christmas gifts.
However, in recent years it has become synonymous with fairground rides and uninvited street traders, selling merchandise at inflated prices.
Numbers attending the event have also dwindled in the past few years.
Simply Books owner Sara Waddington, who was appointed secretary for the Chamber of Trade, is leading the call for changes.
She has sent out a questionnaire to members to gauge interest and the findings will be discussed at next week’s Chamber meeting.
She said: “The feeling from most members was that if we were going to change it, we should change it this year.
“I’ve had loads of people in the shop saying they agreed [that it needs changing] completely.
“Hopefully, the decision is being made at the next Chamber meeting, but other people can call into my shop or email me with their thoughts.”
One prominent suggestion has been to ditch the usual format for a Victorian-themed evening.
This could see shopkeepers dressing in 19th-century costumes, old-fashioned, hand-cranked rides, food stalls and various singing, drama and music groups performing around the town.
Similar events in other Yorkshire towns such as Grassington and Knaresborough have proved popular.
“I think there will definitely be something held on the first Thursday of December but the question is whether we continue as normal or try something totally different,” added Mrs Waddington.
“This is why we decided to ask the local businesses what they thought and we will go with a majority decision.
“If they decide to go with the Victorian theme then we will do that for the Thursday with a view to making it a weekend event next year.”
Anyone wishing to submit their views on the event can speak with Mrs Waddington at Simply Books on Clarkes Lane, or email her on simply.books@btconnect.com
The full article contains 422 words and appears in Pocklington Post newspaper.
