Crossroads Caring for Carers and the Strand Shopping Centre last night (Thursday December 1) donned their festive apparel to serve visitors to the Stand and Crossroads Caring for Carers Christmas Market Christmas Punch and mince pies. St Thomas’ Primary School entertained shoppers with scenes from the Nativity and Sheean Prash, a local brass quintet, played traditional Christmas music, following the theme of the night. A local branch of Rangers helped serve the festive snacks to customers as they browsed the delights local suppliers have on offer in Crossroads Christmas Market, upstairs in the Centre. Chris Lidgett of Cafe Avanti also offered a savory alternative to those without a sweet tooth in the form of a turkey bap, which will be on offer until Christmas. John Shakespeare, Centre Manager, said “There was a lovely festive atmosphere in the Centre with a good 5,000 people through the doors after 6 o’clock and a queue for Santa’s Grotto. It was a lovely night in Douglas with the lantern parade and further stalls lining Castle Street and a night we’re hoping to repeat next Thursday (December 8) with another free giveaway of mince pies and Christmas Punch”. Alex Wilson of Crossroads Caring for Carers thanked the Rangers for their help in thanking members of the public for supporting the Centre and Crossroads’ Christmas Market by offering a small token of appreciation in the form of the free giveaway. Alex encouraged the local community to visit the Centre and Crossroads’ Christmas Market during December, where you can find the perfect Christmas present and support local suppliers. Crossroads Christmas Market also houses the Christmas Postbox that is taking Christmas Card Design Competition entries. The competition is open to all school aged children and the winning design will be announced on Manx Radio 22 December and made into Crossroads’ Christmas Card for sale Christmas 2012. The winner will also receive a giant teddy bear. For more information about Crossroads Christmas Market or the Christmas Card Design Competition, please contact Alex Wilson on 673103 or email awilson@crossroadsiom.org. ENDS