THE historic market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is marking the end of lockdown 2.0 with the switching on of the jewel in the crown of their festive lights.
As the non-essential shops, cafes and inns in the town prepare to reopen their doors following the month-long lockdown, Appleby-in-Westmorland Town Council is arranging for the Christmas tree in the centre of the market square to be lit up – with an online, virtual switch on by the Mayor of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Cllr Gareth Hayes.
The Mayor said: “It has been a challenging time for our retailers in the town, many of whom are independent and family businesses.
“The Town Council is keen to support our businesses in any way we can. We have published a Christmas Guide and created a Facebook page to promote the ‘shop local’ message. We want to let people know how they can order and either collect or have items delivered to their doors to provide a safe, local shopping experience.
“We are very proud of our business in the town, who have gone the extra mile to continue to provide services to our community, following the guidelines in a safe and responsible manner.
“By arranging the lighting up of the traditional Christmas tree in the market square – the heart of our town, as we come to the end of this second lockdown, we are shining a light on our retail community and provide a beacon of hope for the future.”
The switch-on of the Christmas Tree lights by the Mayor will be broadcast live on the town’s Christmas in Appleby-in-Westmorland 2020 Facebook page on Wednesday, 2 December 5pm.
The light switch on is a virtual event and the public are reminded not to attend in person but online.
