MALMESBURY High Street was lined with stalls that billowed over into the town hall for its Christmas Late Night Shopping event on Friday.

Local traders, charities and residents who wanted to sell their crafts welcomed people young and old to the town to begin the festive celebrations, and shops stayed open well past closing time.

An abundance of stalls were selling hot homemade food and drinks to keep people warm during the cold winter night, and talented stall holders sold gifts that would make perfect stocking fillers for Christmas.

Entertainment was provided by the Athlestan Players who sang some Christmas carol favourites, Malmesbury Morris danced to the crowds, and excited children could also climb aboard a fire engine and ambulance which came along especially for the event.

The night was made all the more magical by a special visit by Father Christmas in plenty of time before the big day, to listen to Children's hopes and wishes.

"I thought it went really well," Cllr Julie Exton said. "People have come back quite positive, it was a great success.

"I think everybody enjoyed themselves, it was very busy.

"I think it is a bit like the carnival. You have events each year and that is when everybody comes out and joins together, and gets to chat with people they haven't seen for ages.

"It's great to get the community together each year, which to me is what it is all about. It is about bringing to community together and something that everyone looks forward to.

"Seeing so many people come out and having so many chats, you go home happy."

Next year the council hopes to light up the town with Christmas lights running up and down the High Street.

Due to new regulations, the Christmas lights couldn't be installed this year, but the council will soon be discussing getting some ready in time for next year.