Next Friday (December 10th) is Romsey's late-night Christmas shopping event when the shops will be open until 9pm.

Father Christmas will arrive in town at about 6pm. No one knows quite how he will arrive but it's almost certain he will be clambering over a building in the Market Place because word has it that he will need rescuing.

After he's received by the children, Father Christmas told The Romsey Advertiser that he will be visiting Bradbeers department store where he has a grotto which will also be open the following morning.

Romsey Chamber of Commerce is laying on street entertainment throughout the event for shoppers. This includes an old-style traditional market in the Cornmarket. Stallholders will be dressed in Victorian costumes. There will also be horse and carriage rides in the Market Place, a children's fairground in Church Place, a Punch and Judy Show, two jesters, a unicyclist and a juggler to entertain youngsters and adults.

Mountbatten School Band will be playing Christmas carols during the evening. And two more bands may perform. This has to be confirmed.

Town centre manager Christine Cole said Romsey was always a homely and pleasant place to shop. "Romsey is a very different place to shop and it has a unique atmosphere. People should come in to the town and enjoy the Christmas lights and make the most of the shops extended open hours to do your Christmas shopping," she said.

King John's House in Church Street, Romsey will open from 4pm to 9pm, as part of the Late Night Shopping Evening. "We've become a bit of a tradition," said Anne James, general manager, "It's lovely to see people coming back year after year, enjoying the evening, and showing their support. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the House." The beautiful medieval house will be traditionally decorated with greenery from the garden, including intricately woven ivy swags.

There will be exclusive crafts and refreshments on sale, including the famously potent King John's House mulled wine. Seasonal live music will be provided after 6.30pm by renaissance recorder group, The Frescobaldi Consort.