Christmas Events in Preston 2008

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Late Night Shopping in Preston 2008

Christmas officially kicked off in Preston Town Centre last night with the arrival of late night shopping.

Shops will be open Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 9pm making it easier to catch-up on all that last minute Christmas shopping.

Thousands of keen customers packed into the city centre last night as the major stores were offering fantastic discounts. Marks and Spencer’s did a ‘one-day spectacular’ with twenty percent off everything in store.

Debenhamas followed suit, offering twenty five percent off and also went the extra mile by opening until midnight to keep up with the shoppers demand.

In addition to the shops being open late night there will also be some live entertainment called Festive Cheer to keep the kids happy.

Chris Selkirk Events Manager of Preston County Council comment on the entertainmeant available to late night shoppers: “ Each Wednesday and Thursday 5pm - 9pm we will have seasonal music and singing from local and regional bands (brass, concert, jazz & folk bands & community & school choirs) all on the Flag market from a covered stage. Aiming to bring shoppers to Preston.

In addition to that, the two Park and Rides sites in Preston: Walton-le-Dale and Preston PortWay have changed their timetable to fit round the late openings. The last buses back from Preston city centre on Wednesday and Thursday are 9.30 pm instead of the usual 7.30pm.

Christmas Events in Preston 2008

Preston County Council is celebrating Christmas with style this year by orgainsing nineteen events for the public to attend over the Christmas Period.

The Christmas events kick off on the 19th November (Christmas Lights Switch On) and run right through to 21st December (Carols by Candlelight).

The main event for families to look out for is the Ribble Steam Railway Santa, which is running from the 6th December to the 23rd.

Children will get a chance to meet Santa on the 45 minute train ride, and also receive a free gift to make their day extra special. Ticket prices are £7.50 for adults and children over four. Children under 4 are £4.00. Make sure you reserve your place, as tickets are limited!

Decoration Making at Avenham Pavillion on Sunday 14th December is also a must for families on a budget. Families will get a chance to make their own festive decorations for their Christmas tree, bringing the whole family together.

There are also events for the adults. Christmas Farmers Market comes to town on Saturday 13th, bringing with them a selection of Christmas crafts and produce to make sure that you are in the Christmas spirit.

However if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not try Santa Dash and raise some money for Catherine's Hospice. The run takes place on Sunday 7th December and will require you to wear your best fancy dress costume, all in aid of charity.

The events are aimed to cheer everyone up and make sure there are no scrooges in Preston this Christmas! Chris Selkirk Events Manager of Preston County Council said: “The events are likely to make you feel all Christmassy! Events have a feel good factor. All the different types of events over the Christmas period are all family friendly”

And if all the above doesn’t tickle you fancy than I have put together a map off all the events in the Preston area so you can pick and choose which ones are for you.

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This week I took to the streets to see how the public felt businesses would be affect by the credit crunch this christmas!

Recession

The Guardian has posted five points to why they think we are in a recession and I couldn't agree more, one of the points is that second hand goods all the rage, i think it's great that they have become so popular as you never have to pay that much for second hand goods. Another point was DVD sales on the increase, is it any wonder that are up in sales if the cinema charges £7.00 for a film. I understand that they have to make a profit but really is there any need with DVDs as less as £3.00for some big titles in the supermarkets it's time for the cinemas to start slashing prices!

Extra Bank Hoilday!!

Union leaders and voluntary groups have stepped up their campaign to have another bank holiday in October. I personally think this is a great idea I think that the four month gap is too long and we should have one in between. But as we are facing a recession should we close our business for an extra day of income that could of been earned. What do you think is an extra bank holiday needed?