THE countdown has begun for a late night shopping event in Ilkley.

Ilkley BID has announced that a Christmas late night shopping evening will take place on Wednesday, December 6th in the town centre.

Over 60 of the town’s shops and businesses will be staying open until 7.30pm for locals and visitors to enjoy a festive shopping experience.

The Ilkley BID team will be based at the Outside the Box café in the Victorian Arcade for the evening to offer a free gift-wrapping service for any gift item purchased on the night, and carol singers and musicians will be performing Christmas songs in the town centre to put everyone in a Christmas mood.

Many of the businesses will be offering a free festive tipple and mince pies to their late night shoppers, as well as discounts and special offers.

Lisa Drake, Ilkley BID Project Coordinator, said: “We’re encouraging everyone to shop local this year and tick off all the items on their holiday gift list during our Christmas shopping event. Shoppers will enjoy a wonderfully festive atmosphere in the town and we’re delighted that so many of our shops and businesses are coming together to make Ilkley’s first late night shopping in a long time a memorable occasion. Hopefully, it will be such a success that we can make it a regular feature in the town’s calendar.”

Businesses opening late include fashion retailers such as 5th Avenue, Attic Womenswear, Jigsaw and Joules; jewellery shops such as Jeremy Bloomfield, Lister Horsfall, Nicholsons Jewellers and Tennant & Darragh; gift, design and homeware shops such as Betty’s, Corner House Interiors, Covet, Oliver Bonas, Richard Grafton Interiors and Seddon & Davison, and hospitality venues such as Avanti, Martinez Wines and The Litte Teahouse.

For the full list of businesses and their offers, visit: www.discoverilkley.co.uk/late-night-christmas-shopping