THE spirit of Christmas descended on Malmesbury when its ancient town centre was packed for one of the most popular events of the year – the annual late night seasonal shopping festival.

The bells of St Paul’s Tower chimed at 5.30pm on Friday to mark the beginning of the festivities which saw Malmesbury Morris dancers lead a Christmas parade through the High Street

Pupils from St Joseph’s School and the Mayor of Malmesbury John Gundry also took part in the procession as the High Street was closed to traffic and lined with an assortment of market stalls.

Around 300 excited youngsters, meanwhile, visited Santa’s Grotto courtesy of the Rotary Club.

A live animal nativity also proved popular while many of those who attended later headed for the Abbey or the Abbey House for two festive-themed concerts.

For the first time the event was organised by the Malmesbury Town Team in conjunction with the town council after the chamber of commerce, which usually lays on the town’s late opening Christmas shopping event, was this year unable to do so.

Coun Gundry said: “I would say it was one of the most successful ever held. There were many stalls and everyone there seemed happy. A big effort went into making this possible.”

Having played havoc with other Christmas events in the region, the weather was kind to Malmesbury too. “The weather was lovely. It wasn’t cold and it wasn’t wet,” said the Mayor.

Chairman of the Malmesbury Town Team Sarah Wilde said: “This really kicked off Christmas in Malmesbury.

“I’ve no idea how many people turned out but there was a lot there and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

“The atmosphere was really good. I would say it’s one of the best late night shopping events that have been held in Malmesbury.

”The feedback from the traders was also positive and most of the shops stayed open.”

She said that the town team and the town council formed a working party during the summer when it became known that the chamber would not be taking on the event this year.

Ms Wilde added: “We were very pleased with the way that it all went but also learnt a few things which will come in handy for next year’s event.”