DECEMBER’S late-night shopping event in Knutsford town centre attracted a ‘disappointing’ number of shoppers despite a host of shops staying open and a range of Christmas entertainment.

A report to the events committee of Knutsford Town Council said: “The footfall for the late-night shopping was disappointing despite a thorough marketing campaign and a full evening’s content from Knutsford Town Council.

“A full review will take place at the next Knutsford One meeting, but the general consensus is to have similar content - offers, raffles and entertainment - at a Saturday in spring to coincide with the last of the free parking Saturdays.”

The late-night event was on Thursday, December 5, and ran from 5pm to 8pm.

A host of shops stayed open during the evening, and the entertainment included choir Knutsford Beats, singer Abi Chetham, Father Christmas at Hal Whittaker and Mereside Brass Band.

In addition, every shopper was rewarded with a raffle ticket which will be given with any purchase.

Prizes included dinner, bed and breakfast at any Flat Cap Hotels, a huge beauty hamper from Lockton’s, a Mr Simms sweet hamper and a gift from Clarity Contemporary Jewellery.

A total of £2,115 worth of Taste Knutsford vouchers were sold over the Christmas period, which is more than double the previous year.

Current tour ticket sales for 2019/20 are four and 10 for February 7 and 8 respectively and two for March 6, and for 2020/21, two for April 3, four for May 15, two for July 4 and two for October 3.

The Town Centre and Marketing Officer is looking at options for providing a digital app and/or website to enable those who work away from town but want to shop local can.

A survey has been shared on social media in conjunction with ShopAppy.