The Christmas lights are up and on in Queensgate in Peterborough ready for when shoppers can return to the centre properly after lockdown.
Although only certain essential retailers are open in the centre the lights and displays have been installed and switched on as usual.
Much of the Peterborough shopping centre remains closed with just essential retailers, Click and Collect, and restaurants offering takeaways and deliveries, but the team were keen to turn on the Christmas lights in a show of festive spirit and positivity for Peterborough city centre.
“This is the most magical time of the year for many and we deserve to celebrate Christmas after such a difficult time,” said Mark Broadhead, Centre Director at Queensgate Shopping Centre.
“Although most of our shoppers won’t be able to see the lights just yet, having them on is uplifting for our essential retailers and staff, for shoppers using the essential services and our centre team.”
The lights will be on in the centre until the New Year so there’ll still be plenty of time to enjoy some Christmas spirit.
The essential retailers remaining open (check for opening times as these vary) include Boots, M&S (Lower Mall only), Superdrug, Soul Happy, Vision Express and The Oculist (appointment only).
Food retailers who will be offering a takeaway and delivery service only include McDonalds, Burger King, Costa, Swivels and Krispy Kreme (click and collect also available at Costa and Krispy Kreme).
The centre’s blue car park will remain open from 5am – 11.30pm daily and normal charges apply. The Yellow, Red and Green car parks are all closed until further notice.
The main city centre light switch on will be a virtual event on Wednesday December 2 at 7pm – just visit the website and social media channels of Peterborough City Council, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Peterborough Community Radio and Peterborough Live to tune in.