Ryde is once again kicking off its Shop Local campaign with the town’s Late Night Shopping on Thursday 1st December.

Shops all around the town will be open until 8pm to give people an extra few hours to browse and buy.

Zoe Thompson, Chair of Ryde Business Association who organised the campaign said,

“This year we have gone back to having a dedicated evening that really is all about the shops.

“We all thought Lockdown and the Pandemic was hard, but in reality the next 12 months for many small businesses will be make or break.

“The town simply would not be what it is without the community supporting the shops and choosing to spend money locally in the many independent businesses we are lucky to have.”

Zoe went on to say,

“Late Night Shopping is a great reason to get some friends together and head into town. We would really encourage people to use the time to pop into places you might not normally get a chance to.

“With many shops, cafes and restaurants putting on deals and in-store extras for the evening, you may well pick up some great bargains too. And with all our usual bars and restaurants open too, why not make an evening of it and book in somewhere for food, or have a few drinks… you’ll deserve it after all that shopping!”

The evening starts at 4.30-5pm for the Christmas Tree Light’s Switch on at Minghella Square in the High Street, this year by Drag act – Quivers.

When announcing who would be conducting the switch on, Ryde Business Association stated,

“We got to thinking, who can we get to turn on the Christmas Tree lights, we may not have as many lights throughout the town this year, but that doesn’t mean that Ryde’s sparkle should be dimmed.

“Who has the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent to do the job? Who has a shining personality to get us all in the festive spirit?”

Quivers, who attracted National attention earlier this year by reaching the Drag Idol UK semi finals said of the invite,

“I’m super excited and grateful to have been invited to switch on the lights in Ryde this year.

“This town has been super supportive of me, so I can’t wait to get festive with everyone.”

As well as in-store extras, discounts and competitions throughout the evening, firm favourites like The Grinch will be around town, and Vectis Brass will be playing in St Thomas’s Square from 7pm.

For more information head to the social media event page.