THE highly anticipated LightupBude and late night shopping event took place over the weekend, with organisers delighted at the response to Bude’s festive lights.

After months of planning for this one evening on Friday, December 2, the LightupBude team was delighted to see that the Christmas lights were greeted with a lot of enthusiasm from people in Bude.

Jools Trotter, one of the founders of LightupBude, said: “We had a fabulous day and night for LightupBude. The turn out was bigger than anyone could remember, which was our aim, of course.

“Many found it nostalgic and like the town used to be, with everyone attending and supporting. We had so many positive comments from the schools and from the locals alike, and now have many people who signed up to join in with the committee too.”

The performers had outdone themselves, starting with the huge group by CJ’s Dance, who started in the LightupBude tent to massive applause — a clever bunch of ladies. This was followed by choirs and performers.

All of the town’s shops joined in for the late night Christmas shopping, and even new areas of Bude were open for visitors to come and visit. The Santa’s Grotto was a big hit, and over 175 children came along to see Father Christmas and receive a gift.

The event raised approximately £400 on donation boxes alone, and more donations are yet to be counted, so the total is expected to go up considerably.

Bude outshone itself this year, and the LightupBude team has worked incredibly hard all month, helping right until midnight.

Jools added: “As we always say, this is a three-year project, and here’s to next year and an even bigger event!”