COMMUNITY leaders are urging families to support local traders at this year’s Christmas late-night shopping event in Malmesbury.
Malmesbury's Christmas Late Night Shopping event will see around 60 stalls in the high street and the town filled with festive cheer.
The event from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, December 2 will be opened by TV star Jason Durr who has appeared in ITV’s Heartbeat and BBC’s Casualty.
There will also be live music and entertainment from the Malmesbury Town Band, Malmesbury Community Choir, the Athelstan Players and the new Ukrainian Choir.
The town council will also announce the winner of the best-dressed window competition, which is being chosen by last year’s winner and the mayor.
Families will also be able to visit Santa and his elves at a Christmas Grotto near the town hall where there will be an indoor market and children’s rides.
Malmesbury mayor Kim Power said: “Malmesbury is magical at Christmas time and our Late Night Shopping Event is a highlight.
“We are very grateful to the wonderful actor Jason Durr of Casualty and Heartbeat, who has kindly agreed to open the event for us, which means it will be even more special for everyone.
“Shops are opening and the Upper High Street and Market Cross will be filled with stalls.
“This is an opportunity to support our local retailers, food producers and craftspeople by buying local and I would urge all shoppers to please support our community businesses.
“Santa and his elves will be close by the town hall in Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can pay him a visit.
“There is lots for everyone to enjoy.”
There will also be road closures on the day and bus passengers are being warned about changes to services after 4pm.
Bus journeys from Cross Hayes from 4pm will go via the High Street.
• Service 41 departures from Cross Hayes at 4.30pm and 6.05pm will operate via the by-pass and Tetbury Hill
• Service 90 departures from Cross Hayes at 4.15pm and 5.15pm will operate on request to set down only
• Service 93 departure from Cross Hayes at 6.05pm will not serve the Co-op but will serve Tetbury Hill
• Service 99 departures will not serve Corn Gastons or the Co-op after 4pm but will serve Tetbury Hill
Passengers travelling to Corn Gastons or the Co-op from Cross Hayes are advised to use service 41 or 90.
Householders are also being asked to put up festive lights and decorations in windows or gardens as part of Malmesbury Christmas Light Trail which is taking place from December 1 to December 27.
For more information about the late night shopping event visit - malmesbury.gov.uk
For more information about Malmesbury Lights Up for Christmas visit - tinyurl.com/45n3rtds
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