Christmas with a difference at Yate Shopping Centre
Date Posted:28/09/2020
Despite the unpredictable and at times rapidly changing situation, there will still be a Christmas flavour at Yate Shopping Centre this year.
Working with Yate Rotary Club, the Centre will stage a ‘Tree of Light’ where people can sponsor a light in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special family event. The tree will be sited near the petrol station, facing the Link Road, so highly visible and bringing Christmas cheer to the whole town.
Marian Gilpin, co-ordinator for the Rotary’s Tree of Light event, said: “Although there will surely be many restrictions on our movements and gatherings, this special tree can be shared by everyone and will be lit from 27th November until 10th January to remind us of our loved ones.”
In view of the current pandemic restrictions, the switch-on will be streamed live on the Shopping Centre’s Facebook page.
Andrew Lowrey, Shopping Centre Manager, said: “It is very difficult toconfirm our actual plans except from confirming that there will be no parade and light switch-on event this year
“I know this will be a great disappointment to many visitors as in previous years the ‘switch-on event’ has proved an extremely popular attraction. However, we do appreciate the importance of the start of the Christmas season to both our traders and the public.
“Thus, we are erecting new Christmas decorations and the grotto will still feature in the centre square. In addition, this year we will be operating a Santa’s postbox, which will also be in the centre square,and all letters posted will receive a reply.
“Obviously we will make a point of keeping everybody informed if the event schedule should change as we get nearer the festive season but things are largely out of our hands as everything will depend on government guidance at the time”.
The only Christmas pop-up shop confirmed to date is the Calendar Club which will be located at 7 North Walk and will open during October.
