WITH Newton Abbot's Christmas illuminations now turned on the town is all set for its late night shopping.

Every Wednesday until Christmas, Newton Abbot is putting on its festive shopping nights, beginning next week with its annual Victorian Evening from 6pm.

Sally Henley, Newton Abbot town development manager, writes:

Newton Abbot is the place for local festive fun this Christmas. All the stops have been pulled out to make it a fun-packed December and to help make Christmas shopping a little more pleasurable.

There's lots of free street entertainment every Wednesday for late night shopping and also each Saturday, with the emphasis definitely upon a local feel.

Father Christmas has even set up his grotto in the town centre, having spotted the clock tower, which he felt would be a perfect place for local children to come and confide their Christmas wishes. While he would welcome a small donation to this year's mayor's charity, there will be no charge and all small children accompanied by an adult will be warmly welcomed on Wednesday evenings and Saturday lunchtimes.

Locally grown entertainment includes live music from Spectrum Orchestra, the Newton Abbot Ukulele Band, Spanish guitar from Al Marconi and vintage songs from Jerri Hart.

Many local schools and colleges will also be reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas with selections of traditional and contemporary carols sung throughout the town centre. Juggling, face painting and balloon modelling are all brought to the town centre by professional home grown entertainers too.

Taking the opportunity for a Newton Abbot winter 'out', will be Newton Bushell Morris dancers, Grimspound Morris dancers and Heather & Gorse clog dancers.

For those who are feeling peckish – in addition to local independent cafes providing delicious and warming festive food and drink, there will be hog roasts, hot chestnuts, coffee and crepes and free mince pies and sweets.

You can call in celebrities and professionals from far and wide at Christmas, but supporting local trade and enjoying local talent is what Christmas is all about in Newton Abbot.