Lewes Late Night Shopping 2021

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Late Night Shopping is always a magical occasion in Lewes town, but this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Working with Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and with the generous support of the European Regional Development Fund, via the Welcome Back Fund, Visit Lewes has added some extra sparkle to this wonderful evening. 

As usual, a warm welcome will await you in every shop, with many shopkeepers offering mulled wine, mince pies and other festive enticements. The town will be filled with musicans and performers to entertain you, while Father Christmas will be updating his naughty and nice list at Lewes House.

Shopkeepers around town have been busy planning their Christmas window displays, ready for the best dressed window competition to be judged on the night by the Mayor, Councillor Stephen Catlin. 

New for this year:

- Free electric Tuk Tuk rides from the bottom of School Hill to the upper High Street, with a stop at Lewes House. Look out for our Tuk Tuk stop signs at pick up points.

- The Needlemakers Car Park will host a magnificent vintage chair-o-plane fairground ride offering free rides for children

- Best Dressed Dog Show at Lewes Castle. Bring your pooch at 6pm for a chance to win some deliciously doggy Christmas prizes, generously donated by local businesses Hound of Lewes, Cliffe Vets and Pets Corner. 

- Late Knight Shopping: Battle of Lewes themed light and projections at Lewes Castle, with street re-enactments around the Cliffe area, courtesy of Crown Events. 

- Kabak and Abyss will be taking care of refreshments at Cliffe Precinct, while Beak Brewery will be at the War Memorial, with Cacccia & Tails, and Harvey's Bar in the upper High Street. Lumen on Cliffe High Street will serve delicious crepes from their hatch, while Crumbs on School Hill offer quality hot dogs alongside a tempting selection of cakes. Mulled wine will be served from the Town Hall.

- Local children's writer Leigh Hodgkinson will be reading from her new book and providing craft activites for children at Bags of Books in South Street. Only 25 spaces are available. To avoid disappointment, contact Bags of Books direct to book: bagsofbooks@bags-of-books.co.uk

- A one-off Sussex Gin & Fizzmas festival will take place at the Market Tower, offering visitors the chance to buy locally made drinks by the glass or bottle, direct from the producers. The Tower will be transformed into a fabulously festive, twinkly wonderland, and will host a string quartet and choir. Its free to get in, but numbers will be strictly controlled.

- The Makers Directory Christmas Market. Eight Sussex-based contemporary artists and makers will exhibit original artwork, greeting cards, jewellery, ceramics and eco-fashion collections. Market open from 5-9pm on 2 December at Westgate Chapel. Mulled wine and mince pies. Cards accepted.

As well as being a great night out for visitors and families, Lewes Late Night Shopping will support our valued and hard hit local shops and food producers as they rebuild their businesses post-pandemic. Please come along, show them you care, shop local for those unique Christmas gifts and enjoy a warm festive glow from supporting your local High Street. 

Lewes Late Night Shopping will this year also be raising money for local charity Lewes Open Door, which supports homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated people in the town.