Come and join in the Christmas fun!

Margate is the place to be on the evening of Friday 30 November.

The Thanet Visitor Information Centre will be welcoming shoppers to their special shopping evening at The Droit House from 5pm to 8pm.

Delicious free samples and tasters will be available from local producers such as Quex Barn, Quex Foods, The Chocolate Pod and Little Stour Orchard. 

Plus there will be a free prize draw with the following great prizes to be won:

• Four x family tickets to see 'A Christmas Carol' at the Theatre Royal, Margate
• Two x return tickets to London with National Express coaches
• Two x return tickets to Paris with Eurolines Coaches
• Two x tickets for 'Aladdin' at the Winter Gardens, Margate
• Two x tickets to 'GEEK 2013'

This VIC shopping event has been timed to complement a range of late night events taking place in the original seaside town on 30 November, as well as late night opening of many shops in Margate’s Old Town.

All of this will be taking place on the night that Turner Contemporary Christmas light switch-on takes place. A gospel choir will kick off the festive period in style, and the art gallery will also be open late to celebrate the finale of Maria Nepomuceno's Tempo para Respirar (Breathing Time), which has been exhibited since September 2012.

Thanet District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services, Cllr Iris Johnston said: “It’s important for the VIC to be part of a town-wide festive event. Staying open until 8pm will give busy shoppers a fantastic opportunity to come along to see the wide range of gifts we have on offer, as well as giving out free samples of the delicious local produce we stock.

“It’s also a great way to remind everyone of the broad range of services and assistance the team can provide to locals, as well as visitors. This includes information and bookings for local accommodation, attractions, transport, entertainment and events.  We’re also really excited to promote some lovely gifts, many of which are produced in Thanet or Kent.”

The Visitor Information Centre is open all year round. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm, during October to March and open seven days a week between April and September. The staff are here to answer all of your questions and queries about the range of activities to help plan your trips around Thanet, as well as selling a range of gifts and souvenirs. To find out more, please contact the team on 01843 577577, email visitorinformation@thanet.gov.uk or visit the website http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/