THIS year s Late Night Christmas Shopping in Saffron Walden is shaping up to be the best yet, according to organisers. The event, organised by the Saffron Walden Initiative (SWI) with the support of the town council and business forum, is now in its seven

THIS year's Late Night Christmas Shopping in Saffron Walden is shaping up to be the best yet, according to organisers.

The event, organised by the Saffron Walden Initiative (SWI) with the support of the town council and business forum, is now in its seventh year.

It runs on Friday December 11 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

Chairman of SWI, Peter Riding, said: "This will be the seventh late night Christmas shopping event organised by the Initiative and, if the weather holds, could be the best yet.

"More shops than ever in the town centre will be staying open, over 30 charities will have stalls in King Street and Market Place and a wide range of market traders will be out in force. There will also be a gift fair in the Town Hall."

The Round Table will be present, together with Father Christmas and his sledge, and there will be seasonal music from the town band as well as the beat of drums from AfroBeats, which is based at Newport Free Grammar School. In King Street the Clavering Players will be singing songs from their forthcoming pantomime, Cinderella.

"This is the one night of the year when the town centre is handed over to the community - the event starts at 5.30pm specifically to allow for young families to attend," added Mr Riding.

"If you feel like dressing up, the theme chosen this year by a group of retailers is 'Pantomime'. Special arrangements have been made for the Hill Street public toilets to stay open until 9pm.