West Suffolk backs late night shopping with free parking

28 Oct 2026

Christmas is the busiest time of the year for town centre businesses, now people can park for free and enjoy late night shopping over five nights in Bury St Edmunds.

West Suffolk Council is making its town centre car parks in Bury St Edmunds free between 4pm and 8pm every Thursday from 19 November, the date of the Our Bury St Edmunds Christmas lights event, through to 17 December.

The arc shopping centre and Our Bury St Edmunds have spoken to town centre businesses, with a large number staying open late as part of the festive fun.

Cllr Dave Taylor, Cabinet Member for Operations at West Suffolk Council said: “We are delighted to be able to support the late-night shopping nights. Hopefully the magical Christmas displays, festive feel and added bonus of free parking will all encourage more shoppers to support the town centre businesses rather than simply ordering online.”

Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council said: “We recognise that the run up to Christmas is a busy and important time for many shops and other businesses in the town centre. Late night shopping provides a lovely festive atmosphere for people to come out and shop together as a family after work or school and we are delighted to be able to support this.”

Mark Cordell, Chief Executive of Our Bury St Edmunds said: “I am absolutely delighted to see that West Suffolk Council have decided to reintroduce free parking on Thursday evenings in the run up to Christmas, starting on 19 November, the day of our Christmas lights event. This will hopefully encourage the public into coming into the town centre and for our businesses to open longer on these evenings.”

Kirsty Pollard, Centre Manager at arc Shopping Centre said:  "Christmas is a time for giving, sharing, and supporting our local community – and this year’s Christmas shop has been made easier thanks to West Suffolk Council’s free car parking for Christmas Late Night Shopping on Thursdays from 4pm-8pm. From the launch of the free parking on Thursday 19 November, almost all arc Shopping Centre stores will be open until 7pm on Thursdays, plus a few open even later.

“Free parking on Thursdays provides a wonderful opportunity to shop locally this Christmas, with more time after work to find those perfect gifts. We are really pleased to be supported by West Suffolk Council in helping arc Shopping Centre and Bury St Edmunds at Christmas make shopping more accessible this festive season. We look forward to welcoming customers and supporting local business during this special time of the year."

West Suffolk Council is also working with town centre partners in Haverhill and Newmarket to support their Christmas events with free parking. Details are to be announced.

 

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