Hundreds attend Malmesbury's Christmas Late Night Shopping Event

Shop and café owners flung open their doors at 6pm on Friday, December 1 to mark the start of the festive season. 

The town centre's streets were lined with stalls selling everything from jams and chutneys, to jewellery, gifts and games.

Meanwhile, the craft market in the Town Hall was bustling with visitors, and a lengthy queue of excited children queued to meet Santa in his grotto at the Market Cross.

There was even a small steam engine on show and entertainment was provided by local groups such as St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Choir, Malmesbury Choir, Malmesbury Concert Band and Malmesbury Morris.

Emily Hepworth, of High Street florist Persephone Violet, was declared the winner of the best dressed shop window competition and received a cup from BBC health editor Hugh Pym who officially opened the event.

Mr Pym, who grew up in Malmesbury, also presented the runner up certificates to Barn Owl Books and Malmesbury Opticians.

Mr Pym said: “I am absolutely blown away by the amazing atmosphere tonight and privileged and honoured to have been asked to officially open Late Night Shopping.

“Congratulations to everyone in the community.

"I think Malmesbury’s community spirit is always to be treasured as there is so much going on, and I feel so proud to be here.

"Let’s go out and support the local shoppers, let’s have a great time and let’s celebrate everything that is so wonderful about Malmesbury.”

Malmesbury mayor Gavin Grant thanked Hugh Pym, event compere Andrew Duncan, and the many others who gave their time to make the event such a success, including volunteers from 9 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, town councillors and staff, local traders and stall holders.

Cllr Grant said: “This has to be one of the most successful Late Night Shopping events we’ve ever run, as so many people have turned out to support the traders.

"It was a wonderful atmosphere and what a great way to start the festive season.”