It’s snow joke! Malmesbury’s late night shopping will be bigger than ever

Malmesbury’s late night shopping is set to be bigger and better than ever this year, with more stalls and more activities for children.

The event – a highlight of the town’s calendar – will be staged on Friday 6th December, from 6pm to 9pm.

Shops will open late, and the streets will be lined with stalls, with many more inside the Town Hall – 70 in total, compared to 40 in 2023. For the first time, stalls will extend along Oxford Street, thanks to additional festive lights being placed.

The children’s activities area in the Cross Hayes car park will have more attractions, right outside Santa’s Grotto.

And there will once again be entertainment for shoppers, provided by children from Malmesbury Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School, together with the Town Band, Morris Dancers and more.

The annual event, which draws hundreds of visitors to Malmesbury, along with local residents, is organised by Malmesbury Town Council and local business group Malmesbury Town Team.

Malmesbury Mayor, Cllr Phil Exton, said: “Our team of organisers and volunteers have done a great job extending the event this year. I’m looking forward to seeing our local people and visitors enjoying our town under the festive lights, and the children being excited to see Santa.”

Additional changes have been made following feedback from previous years. More space has been created in the High Street and Oxford Street, and pinch points have been removed, to enable people to move around more easily, to visit the stalls and shops, and enjoy the entertainment.

David Drake, Chair of Malmesbury Town Team, said: “This is a great annual event that encourages people into our town centre and gives the town’s businesses a great start to trading in the festive period, whether that’s our independent shops or hospitality venues.”

Free parking is available in the Long Stay Car Park from 6pm, and the event itself will be formally opened by the Mayor.