LATE Night Christmas Shopping this year will be on Friday December 10 between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

It is being organised by the Saffron Walden Initiative with the support of the town council and the Business Forum. The Round Table will be there with Father Christmas and his sledge and there will be seasonal music from the Pure Sax band from the County High School and carol singing from the Musical Theatre Company.

Chairman of the Initiative Peter Ridin, said: “This will be the eight Late Night 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, including many in the High Street, King Street, George Street, Hill Street, Gold Street, Cross Street, Market Row, Market Hill and Market Street.

“There will be at least 25 charities with stalls in King Street and Market Place and a wide range of market traders will be out in force. There will also be a Christmas Gift Fair in the Town Hall.

The Library will be open until 8.30pm with a storytime at 7.00pm and a quiz.

There will also be a Christmas themed quiz which will run throughout the day. There will be a suitably seasonal prize for the lucky winner.

Customer services supervisor at the library Ruth Stickley said: “This is a great opportunity for us to join in the Christmas fun, it should prove to be popular.”

The Tourist Information Centre will also be staying open until 8.30pm.

“This is the one night of the year when the town centre is handed over to the community and the event starts at 5.30pm specifically to allow for young families to attend,” added Mr Riding. “Special arrangements have been made for the Hill Street public toilets to stay open until 9pm.”