Poll: Late night Christmas shopping returns to the town

Thousands of shoppers are preparing for the official start of late night shopping in the town – which will kick off tomorrow night.

The lights switch-on at the weekend signalled the beginning of the Christmas shopping season – one of the most crucial times for retailers.

Late night shopping will take place every Thursday between tomorrow and Christmas.

A series of initiatives have been put in place to make the prospect of venturing into the town in the late afternoon and at night a bit more enticing.

This includes the Quids-in scheme, where parking costs £1 in borough car parks after 3pm.

There will also be free park-and-ride services for late night shopping Thursdays from 3pm.

Traders have already reported a rise in takings during the lights switch-on on Sunday, compared to the same event last year.

They are hoping that trend will now continue.

Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central, said earlier this week: “Ipswich is truly open for business this year and it is looking good, absolutely.”