HUNDREDS of shoppers visited Penarth town centre on Wednesday evening (December 6), as the Late Night Shopping Event returned to the town for a fourth successive year.

No longer funded by Penarth Town Council, as it had been in previous years, local traders teamed up to ensure that the event went ahead.

Shoppers were serenaded by Christmas carols and songs from the Penarth Community Choir, as they made their way through the shops and street stalls opened specially for the event.

Many of the stores involved put on promotional offers for the night, which saw members of the community flocking to the town centre and a big increase in sales for local businesses.

Sian Fox, owner of Foxy's Deli, said that it had been "the best Late Night Shopping" event that the town had hosted, while Anne Morgan of Anne Morgan Jewellery described it as a "busy, busy night" for her store. John McInally, owner of gift shop Not Socks Again, described the event as a: "Fantastic evening, (with) great customers and such huge support."

The event, organised and executed for the first time by local traders themselves, was supported by the Vale of Glamorgan Council who provided assistance with advertising and equipment for the event.

Justin Horton, owner of children's clothes store Funky Monkey, said: "We're over the moon with the success of the late night shopping event.

"Lots of people came out to enjoy the night, plenty of shops stayed open with some fantastic offers and there was lots of music and fun activities.

"The Vale of Glamorgan Council were very supportive of the event and all of the retailers, big and small, worked as a team to make it happen."

Angelina Hall from Glass by Design in Station Approach said: "It was fantastic. 

"The people of Penarth really came out in support. 

"Station Approach was buzzing with three different musical acts of acoustic guitar, Jazz and a choir.

"Huge numbers of people packed out our shop and most importantly, were buying. 

"Justin, from Funky Monkey has done a super job in organising it all.   

"Hopefully, it will be the same again next year."

Following their success, plans to organise next year's Late Night Shopping Event are already underway.