HIGH Street traders are making final preparations to ensure that customers enjoy three hours of late night Christmas shopping in Malmesbury on Friday December 8.

Shops will open their doors between 6pm and 9pm, but shoppers will also be able to browse at various stalls in the High Street, take in theChristmas lights, enjoy a hog roast in the Market Cross, and carols by various bands and singers.

The High Street will be closed to traffic for the festivities.

Residents exhausted by shopping will also be able to replenish their spirits with free wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and shortbread.

The annual late night shopping event is sponsored each year by Malmesbury and District Chamber of Commerce to promote the town's shops and say thank you to customers for their support.

The chamber has paid for the Christmas lighting in the High Street and The Triangle, as well as the town's two large Christmas trees.

The Old Corporation also donated £500 towards the festive decorations, while Malmesbury Town Council gave £50.

Chamber chairman Andrew Gill said: "It's a totally different event when you come to Malmesbury for late night shopping because there are so many different attractions. It's not just late night shopping it's a big town party and a Malmesbury family occasion.

"Apart from starting off the festive season with a bit of a show, it also helps to remind people that you can get just about everything in Malmesbury. You don't have to go out of Malmesbury to do your Christmas shopping."

Apart from the traditional contest to find the best Christmas shop window, the chamber has also invited visitors to win shopping vouchers of between £15 and £25 by taking part in the new spot the mistake in the window competition.

Mr Gill said: "Shops will make a deliberate mistake like putting a lamb chop in a dress shop."

Trader Julian Butler, of E & S Shops, has created a grotto for a visit by Father Christmas, while the Crudwell Handbell Ringers and Athelstan Player Singers will be performing carols at Hyams Autos. The Malmesbury Town Band will play in the High Street.

Mr Butler said: "The basic aim is to make it a special night for everyone. It's a nice, festive occasion that shows what Malmesbury spirit and community is all about. It's also an opportunity to say thank you to Malmesbury and the surrounding villages for all their support."

Malmesbury Library has organised a children's craft event, and will also be selling Wiltshire Christmas cards. In addition, deputy mayor John Bowen will be signing copies of his new book, The Story of Malmesbury, in the library.

There will also be a Christmas flea market and collectors' fair in the town hall between 3pm and 9pm. Admission is free.

Mr Gill said: "For those people who have not yet experienced late night shopping in Malmesbury, all I can say is come along and see how different it is."