Over nine thousand students from across the north west flocked to St George’s Shopping Centre for the fourth annual Student Lock-In last Tuesday.

46 retailers in the centre opened their doors for three hours of discounted shopping, entertainment and giveaways exclusively for student from Blackpool, Preston, Lancaster and beyond.

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As the queues began to form outside Fishergate and Friargate entrances, a mock student protest began with 15 students wielding placards to support the event and the discounts that lay ahead. Placards with slogans: ‘Shopaholic’, ‘I want free stuff’ and ‘Hail St George’s’ were held in the air before the doors opened at 6 pm.

Ken Williams, general manager at St George’s Shopping Centre, said: “The evening was packed full of freebies, discounts, music, entertainment and shopping, making it the perfect line-up for many students on a Tuesday evening.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more successful night and it is great to see so many students travelling from Preston and beyond to get involved in the biggest student shopping event in the area.”

St George’s Centre welcomed over thirty local businesses into the centre to join in while also providing extended discount opportunities and giveaways for students. Fifty students were given the opportunity to be treated like VIPs with early access, canapés and a goody bag with a hotlist of available offers.

Shoppers also got to see a guest appearance from former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steven Hall, who entertained them with an impromptu performance of his show stopping signature dance.

A wide range of local companies and charities attended the event including: Preston North End, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Preston Guild 2012 and Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.  Charities in attendance included St Catherine’s Hospice and Local Heroes Foundation.

The Centre’s retailers were also buoyed by last night’s event, with many reporting sales figures equal or a better than last year.

Ken Williams said: “The Lock-in gets better and better every year. We’re certain this year topped the bill in terms of the range of entertainment, discounts and shopping available for our north west students.”