ULVERSTON town centre comes alive and vibrant on a Thursday night with shoppers taking advantage of the Late Night Shopping initiative sponsored by Ulverston BID.

Shoppers are treated to the sound of the Town Band playing Christmas Carols and offered free mulled wine and mince pies to stave off the cold.

Free cotton shopping bags are also given out for customers to take home their festive purchases.

Father Christmas is also there in his own special bus giving out early Christmas gifts to the children and listening carefully to their wishes.

More than 56 shops and eateries will stay open including the Market Hall so that visitors could start their festive shopping and complete the experience by staying in town for a meal.

Jan Hancock, chair of Ulverston BID said “It is important that we support our high streets businesses and shop locally.

“Especially in this day and age when internet shopping is sapping the lifeblood out of local retail.

“We are very lucky in Ulverston to have a large variety of excellent independent traders, whether it’s something spectacular to wear for yourself or a gift for that special person in your life you are bound to find it here.”

It is the last ‘Late Night Shopping’ today and stores will wrap up for the night at 8pm.

A point of reminder is that there is free parking from 6pm.

Father Christmas will return and he will be in his bus from 6pm until 8pm in the Market Square and back again on Saturday December 21 outside the Market Hall from 11am until 2pm to meet the boys and girls.

Why not bring the family for a great night out where you can shop till you drop then go for a cosy meal or warming drink in one of Ulverston’s many pubs and cafes.

It’s a great start to the festive season.

Finally, the Ulverston BID would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all.