Picture gallery: Crowds flock to Late Night Shopping in Saffron Walden

THE weather may not have been great, but the hoards of shoppers who turned out for Saffron Walden’s annual Christmas event on Friday night certainly ensured a cheery festive atmosphere.

There was an excellent range of stalls on offer and, although the numbers of people attending Late Night Shopping may have down slightly on last year, organisers were still delighted.

“The atmosphere was excellent, the 35 charity stalls did good business and the shops that I spoke with afterwards said that the evening had been a success,” said Peter Riding, chairman of the Saffron Walden Initiative, which organises the event.

“Special mention should be made of the five charity stalls run by students from the County High School and also the excellent range of market trader stalls and the Christmas Gift Fair in the Town Hall.”

In addition to the many stalls, the Pure Sax Band from the County High provided live music, Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company supplied the carol singing and the Round Table arrived in style with Father Christmas and his sleigh. There were also two roving street entertainers on hand.

Mr Riding also paid special thanks to town council staff, police and the Tourist Information Centre.