CASTLEPOINT saw a 46 per cent rise in visitor numbers in December, it has been revealed. 

The team is celebrating the success of its Christmas village, Festive Point.

The figures build on a 22 per cent growth in visitor numbers in November 2023 compared to November 2022.

Castlepoint centre manager, David Pickett, said: “Well, what a year to look back on, and it certainly has been a merry Christmas here at Castlepoint.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to provide a special festive experience for our shoppers, and we are so glad to have been rewarded with extraordinary uplifts in visitor numbers as families come in their thousands.”

Festive Point was launched in collaboration with local business LED House to create a winter wonderland with a roller skating rink, VR area, and food and drink stalls.

The main event saw Father Christmas handing out more than 3,000 presents to young visitors at the magical elevator experience.

Visitor numbers to this new festive attraction are estimated to have surpassed 16,000 across the 18 days it was open.

The occasion provided a fitting end to Castlepoint’s birthday year, which was marked with a series of community and charity acts in celebration of its 20th anniversary.

Badged Project Positivity, the effort raised £15,000 of support for the local community, ranging from giving away weekly food shops, providing free IT support, building racking for food banks to litter picking, and beach cleaning.

Project Positivity was instigated with a bid to deliver 20 acts of kindness within the community, giving back to local people 20 times in acknowledgement of Castlepoint’s 20th anniversary.

The big birthday also offered the perfect opportunity for a full rebrand, which has revitalised Castlepoint with its very own makeover.

A trio of big new brands arrived in 2023 that have been welcomed by shoppers – Holland & Barrett, Hotel Chocolat and Nike.

David added: “We are proud to be part of this wonderful community and look forward to making more improvements and enhancements in 2024.”

There will also be a Christmas tree drop-off point at the B&Q entrance and exit at Castlepoint for residents wanting to discard of their trees.