The annual Christmas late night shopping event in Pateley Bridge has been cancelled due to coronavirus.
The event, which is usually held on the Friday night of the second weekend of December, is one of the highlights of the Nidderdale town’s year.
Shops open late and serve mulled wine to customers; charities have stalls in the street and there is live music, including a brass band.
Pateley Bridge at Christmas
Tim Ledbetter, chair of Nidderdale Chamber of Trade, said:
“I know the announcement will not come as a great surprise but I am sure it will still be a disappointment to the business and community of Nidderdale.
“The chamber will of course still be organising the Christmas trees, lights and decorations that help make Pateley Bridge High Street look the magical place we all know it is to visit.”
Mr Ledbetter said Pateley Bridge has staged late night Christmas shopping for at least 20 years.
He said the cancellation would be felt by shops and the wider business community, such as bed and breakfasts, which are usually busy over the weekend.
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Mr Ledbetter, who owns outdoor equipment shop Sypeland Outdoor in Pateley, said he usually took a day’s takings on the Friday night.
But he said the main loss was to the wider community, adding:
“The whole town participates in the night. It’s a real shame but realistically we can’t encourage people in vast numbers to the town and into shops.”
