The Petit Train will be running a free shuttle train service from Sir Charles Frossard House to Piquet House for the remaining two late-night shopping evenings in Guernsey’s St Peter Port.
This is the first time since the Petit Train launched in 2016 that it has been able to be involved with the late night festivities.
Andy Furniss, Petit Train owner and driver, says: “I’m delighted to be part of the late-night shopping experience for the next two weeks! While nowhere is far in Guernsey, the walk to town from Charles Frossard House can be a bit of a trek, especially when you’ve got your hands full of Christmas goodies.
“Victor (the Petit Train) is all decked out in his festive attire, adorned with lights, and I will be playing some Christmas tunes to get travellers feeling merry. Thank you to the Guernsey Retail Group for helping to make this happen and for funding the shuttle train for the night so that it’s free for people to enjoy”.
Retailers have already been heartened by the number of islanders who have flocked to the High Street over the past couple of late-night shopping evenings, whatever the weather, to support their local shop owners. But it is hoped that this new free park and ride will encourage more people to head down for the last two Thursday evenings.
Benjamin Mansell, Manager at Paperchase, commented: “The first late-night shopping is always the quietest and last week the weather wasn’t on our side, but the fact that so many people still ventured into town was fantastic.
“We’re so grateful that the Guernsey Together spirit is still going strong and islanders are doing their best to support local retailers where they can this year. Luckily this week the weather looks like it’s going to be on our side, so we hope to see more people coming to town and leaving full of Christmas cheer”.