Sidmouth to host scaled down Late Night Christmas shopping event

27th November 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Image: Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce. 

Sidmouth’s shops will take part in the annual Late Night Christmas Shopping event on 4^th December once the when the national lockdown ends. It was feared that the annual event would have to be scrapped for 2020, but representatives from the Chamber of Commerce confirmed that a number of businesses still wanted to go ahead, even without the usual festivities.

Sidmouth, like the rest of Devon, will go into Tier 2, which allows shops to remain open, but because of social distancing rules and other government guidelines, the event will look a little different this year.

Usually, Sidmouth’s late night shopping event includes festive food, live entertainment and of course, Father Christmas to overlook the proceedings. This year, the event will go ahead, but without the usual festivities to ensure that it follows current guidelines. The annual Best Dressed Shop Window competition is still taking place and winners will be announced on 11^th December by East Devon MP, Simon Jupp.

This year, as so many non essential retailers were forced to shut their doors yet again throughout November, Sidmouth’s Chamber of Commerce is urging residents to support local business as much as possible this year.  A representative for the Chamber of Commerce said: “We are trying to encourage people to shop local this Christmas, especially after such a difficult year for many of the town’s businesses. Following the government’s announcement, we are delighted that all non essential businesses in town will be reopening from Wednesday, 2^nd December. Many of the shops will also be opening for late night shopping on Friday, 4^th December until 8pm.”

Please note, Sidmouth and the wider Devon area will be following Tier 2 Covid restrictions form 2^nd December, travel is permitted between Tier 2 regions, but please do not travel to the area from Tier 3 and it is advised to not travel at all unless absolutely necessary. Please do not visit Sidmouth if you are feeling unwell.

As part of the Tier 2 restrictions, shoppers will be required to wash their hands regularly at the provided hand sanitiser stations and to wear a face covering while inside, unless exempt. Find out more about the different Tiers and their restrictions on the UK Government website, gov.uk/coronavirus.