Invitation to be Part of a Special Christmas Shopping Evening

A SPECIAL Christmas shopping evening for elderly and disabled people will be held in Reading town centre once again in December.

Reading Borough Council will be hosting the Special Shopping Evening which will include lots of special offers, discounts, free refreshments and entertainment. Residents and retailers who would like to take part in the popular festive event are being encouraged to get in contact now. This year’s free Special Shopping Evening will take place between 5pm – 7pm on Monday 3rd December. The event gives elderly people and those with mobility issues a hassle free opportunity to do their Christmas shopping with free parking and assistance where required. Participating retailers will be offering special discounts and complimentary refreshments on the evening and there will be live entertainment throughout the festively decorated town centre.

Reading Borough Mayor Cllr Debs Edwards said:

“Special Shopping Evening is a great opportunity for elderly and disabled people to come into Reading Town Centre for a hassle-free visit during this busy period. “It is also a chance for Reading’s retailers to provide a warm and generous welcome to shoppers on this special evening and we would love to hear from businesses who would like to take part.”

Cllr Rachel Eden, Chair of the Access and Disabilities Working Group, said:

“I know how valuable Special Shopping Evening is to so many elderly and disabled people. “The event provides easy access to the town centre and extra help and support for people to get around the shops while enjoying lively street entertainment and spectacular Christmas lights. “I would encourage anyone planning to bring a party of shoppers to the evening to contact us now and reserve a special parking space in the town.” Special parking arrangements for parties of shoppers will be provided in Broad Street and Queen Victoria Street. Spaces are issued on a first come, first served basis and applications should be made via the ‘residents’ online form at http://www.reading.gov.uk/sse by Monday 19th November. Retailers who would like take part in this year’s Special Shopping Evening should complete the ‘retailers’ online form at http://www.reading.gov.uk/sse or call (0118) 937 2771 for more details.