Skipton will have a Christmas tree and lights this year - but the lights-switch on event and the town's Christmas Markets have been cancelled because of the pandemic.
The Town Council, Craven District Council and Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) say they're working together to ensure that people can shop safely in the town centre this Christmas, but that the large events which bring significant numbers of people into Skipton cannot go ahead as usual.
Late-night shopping will take place on Thursday evenings in the run-up to Christmas this year, with local businesses being encouraged to work together in partnership with Skipton BID to maximise opportunities to promote what gifts they have to offer shoppers.
In previous years, Christmas Markets have been held on the High Street on Sundays through December, along with candle-light processions and carol singing in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church. The Christmas lights switch-on has also been a major feature of the town's build up to the festive season for many years.
Councillor Richard Foster, Leader of Craven District Council, said: “Although the Christmas experience will be a little different this year, we still want to encourage people to come and shop in our town centres. Craven is still open, and we will still be celebrating Christmas. We hope to explore and promote new and different ways for people to shop locally, both safely and responsibly this festive season, and support local businesses. We will have a flexible approach depending on Government guidelines as we head into the winter, bearing in mind that we need to ensure public safety above all.”
Kerry Wheelwright, Events & Tourism Manager at Skipton Town Council, said: “It is really frustrating for everyone that we have not been able to hold any of our regular events over the summer – and very sad that we can’t operate our Christmas Markets and Lights Switch-on events this year either. We know that you will understand that the safety of everyone has to be the most important thing. Of course, we can all still celebrate the festive season. The lights will look spectacular again and the town centre will be as welcoming as it possibly can be. As Christmas approaches, it is vital that you support our local businesses and our market. Please plan to do your Christmas shopping locally if you can.”
Geraldine Thompson, BID Manager, said: “Skipton BID is working in partnership with Craven District Council and Skipton Town Council to explore safe and secure alternatives for shopping local in town this Christmas. I would encourage the BID businesses to get in touch with me to sign-up for late night shopping on Thursdays up to Christmas Eve, and to collaborate on other ideas, we need togetherness this Christmas!”
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