FESTIVE cheer arrived in Haworth as the first of two late night shopping events kicked off in the heart of Brontë Country.

Bradford’s historic high street welcomed a flurry of festive shoppers to its huge selection of independent gift shops last night, which stayed open until 8pm, with many reporting an uplift in trade.

Diane Park, owner of Wave of Nostalgia, a quirky store in Haworth selling books and unique gifts themed on strong women, said: “Thursday’s late night shopping was a huge success for us and it was fabulous to see our store so full, following what’s been a really tough 18 months for retailers. 2020 was filled with uncertainty, but this year will be a different story.”

Locals will have the opportunity to experience another late night shopping event in Haworth on December 9, where Wave of Nostalgia and many other stores on the main street will remain open until 8pm.

Haworth isn’t the only area in the region with late night shopping on offer. Shoppers are now welcome to The Broadway, Bradford from 9am - 8pm, Monday - Saturday and 11am - 5pm on Sunday during the festive season. The Kirkgate Shopping Centre is also open on select evenings throughout December, until 7pm.

Many independent businesses across the region are making the most of retail’s golden quarter, including Waste Not, a low impact, plastic free gift shop in Ilkley, which is open until 6pm on a Tuesday and is offering local deliveries to customers on a Friday throughout December.

The Old Wooden Box on Duke Street in Bradford is showcasing a different local gift maker every day in the run up to Christmas; shoppers can use the hashtag #bradvent on social media to find out more.

The Bingley Gallery, which sells stunning art works, gifts and greeting cards will remain open till 6.30pm on Thursdays in December.

November 28 marks Museum Shop Sunday, which will see the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford stocking fun and exciting items that make the perfect gift for loved ones and The Brontë Parsonage Museum in Haworth, host a special offer where customers can spend over £20 and receive a 10 per cent discount off future purchases.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, said: “It’s been fantastic to see shoppers safely returning to local high streets and supporting independent businesses.

"The Bradford district has so much to offer in terms of shopping opportunities during the festive period, and we have a wealth of retailers who can offer extra special and unusual gifts for Christmas.

“The Sparkling Bradford campaign is working to boost the visitor economy as businesses continue to recover post-pandemic by showcasing the very best the district has to offer during the winter season.”