Countdown to Malmesbury’s Christmas late night shopping

The countdown is on to one of the most popular family events of the year for Malmesbury, with Christmas late night shopping planned for Friday December 1.

Malmesbury’s late night shopping is a highlight for the town, bringing locals and visitors from near and far to take advantage of the diverse range of shops available on the High Street and surrounding roads.

Not only do stores and cafes open late for shoppers to pick up their Christmas gifts, the High Street is lined with dozens of stalls, run by local groups and traders. Stands will be selling gifts, organising games, or offering food and refreshments.

There’s plenty of entertainment for the children, with rides and Santa’s grotto at the Market Cross. Malmesbury Town Hall will also be open, playing host to an indoor Christmas market with more stalls for shoppers to browse around. Retailers will be joining in the fun by taking part in the Best Dressed Window competition.

The annual event is jointly staged by Malmesbury Town Council and local business promotion group, Malmesbury Town Team.

Organisers hope to secure a celebrity to officially open the evening’s shopping and entertainment, which runs from 6pm-9pm. Also performing the opening ceremony will be Malmesbury Mayor Cllr Gavin Grant.

Chair of Malmesbury Town Team, Campbell Ritchie said: “Malmesbury's local businesses are the heart of our vibrant, beautiful town and Malmesbury’s late night shopping is a great opportunity to shop, socialise, enjoy and experience Malmesbury.”

Cllr Kim Power said: “Everyone looks forward to late night shopping! This the start of Christmas for many, the atmosphere is really amazing and there is such a lot to see and do, including music and entertainment. It’s also a great reminder to support our High Street, mostly non-chain, by shopping local.”

Photo credit:

Shop window – Richard Harris
High Street lights – Robert Peel