An update on last Fridays late night shopping event from Councillor Cameron.
“Freshwater residents, businesses and community groups turned out last Friday night despite relentless rain that would have cancelled a lesser event.
Shops opened, stallholders set up, artists stayed the course and our new Councillors worked side-by-side with staff to keep the evening moving.
Thank you to everyone who showed up and to Mel for supporting the Parish Council’s publicity push.
The children of Freshwater and Yarmouth School lifted the whole evening with their performance in the library.
Small but significant moments such as The Skatepark Shop giving away their lucky dip — cut through the weather and reminded everyone why these community events matter. In an area where child poverty is a real pressure, acts of generosity land hard.
The weather forced us off the script we planned, but what emerged was more important: a demonstration of collective resilience and local pride. Residents, traders and volunteers created a night that worked because people refused to let it fail. Even the impromptu sing-along in the Vine Inn became part of the story.
Freshwater goes again on the 19th — and if the skies cooperate, so much the better. What last Friday night proved is that the community will be there either way.We’re lucky to have some brilliant independent shops and businesses that really do rely on our support. If we don’t use them, we risk losing them.
So, we’ve helped organise another late-night shopping evening for all the family. A whole range of local shops and businesses will be staying open later than usual, with special Christmas offers, pop-up artists and plenty to tempt you inside.
Free parking in Avenue Road Car Park for the event.
So please save the date and come out and support them and please share it with all your friends and family.”
Here is the list of businesses that are staying open and would like your support:
Freshwater Coffee House – with Emily’s Wild Root therapies
Elliotts – with pop up artists: Prilly Lewis and Steve Miles and Linda Sydenham Ceramics
Colman’s carpets – with Pop up from Boris Moscoff
Vine Inn – with Live music with Sounds Easy.
ARTFRAMES – open for customers to browse artwork for last minute gifts etc
Burger & Grill – Christmas burgers
Flow – with pop up jewellery stall
Social Club – Pop up Stalls and Open day with complimentary free drink
Pittis – Mince pies and Mulled wine with pop up artist Julia Tanner Art
Spence Willard- Artist Anna Keen on 19th
Hurst – Mince Pies and their offer for December is: Spend £100 and receive a £10 Gift Voucher.
Cath & Mike’s – special fish supper and Christmas Hot Chocolate.
Luxe Clinic – Gift Vouchers
The Bikery – Classic motorcycles along with freshly baked cakes. They also sell famous Woodford &sons, Bembridge sausage rolls, and fresh toasties. Tea and coffee of course.
Mrs Middlebrow’s Bookshop – offering mulled wine and mince pies!
Heritage Centre – mince pies and coffee, seasonal music and a display of pantomime photos and snowy pictures of the area.
Lilie Rose Hair – host Wildflower at Home. A vintage pop-up it’s a mix of curated vintage homeware and candles, with a few festive bits for Christmas.
“The Wight Shop” – island t-shirts and hoodies and Christmassy bits
West Wight Angling Centre – Sells at web prices
Flaneur- offering 10% off all new and pre-owned Hot Wheels, Matchbox and Majorette models, plus 10% off all Isle of Wight book titles. For customers spending £10 or more, there will also be a complimentary car magazine!
Octopus Workshop – we collect driftwood and wave worn seaglass from the beaches around the Island to create unique sculptural lighting and one-off interior design pieces. We re-imagine and combine interesting industrial artifacts into new designs for furniture and lighting. We craft jewellery from sterling silver and sea glass. Bespoke furniture and special pieces. Design and build event stands, refit pubs and restaurants and even build houses.
New and Pre-Loved (Tennyson Road next to double dragon Chinese) – Christmassy bits and free xmas tree decorations.
Wessex – free mulled wine and mince pies.
Skatepark Pop up shop -fundraising for the Freshwater Skate Park project.
F. Robert Frise Jewellers and Wightime Clock Repair
Rainbow Fish Bar – will have sweets as treats for our customers.
Vicki Pook Care Provider- will be giving out Christmas goodie bags for the kids.
The Cabin – selling some half-priced sweets.
Freshwater Pet Store – free eco-friendly reindeer food.
Conservative club – raising money for charities and community
Freshwater Bay Vintage- will be putting up a festive Christmas display.
Orchard Bros- “Tis the Season for sipping and sampling, come get in the spirit with warming mulled wine & sample a few of our wonderful Christmas cheeses.
Other shops participating include:
British Red Cross, The Beauty Box, Sainsburys, Coop, Allsorts, Kemkay, Antiques Vintage & Retro, The Shop (Antiques).
