Romsey is gearing up to welcome shoppers for a traditional evening of Christmas fun on Friday.

A true festive atmosphere is promised at the town's annual late-night Christmas shopping evening, with carols playing, Bombo and Bombette the clowns larking about and children's activities.

The music will be provided by the Mountbatten School windband and the Totton Boys and Girls Brigade Band.

Shops will be open from 6pm until 9pm, and Father Christmas will be greeting children in his grotto at Smith Bradbeer in Bell Street. Town centre manager Christine Cole said: "Romsey is a town where the Christmas spirit is brought to life every year.''

There will be more Christmas celebrations in Mottisfont on Saturday.

Carollers will be singing around the crib in the garden of John and Betty Pragnell's home in Spearywell Road.

The couple have set up their annual nativity scene in the garden and are inviting people to come and sing from 6pm.

There will be another chance to exercise your vocal cords at the annual Romsey Rotary Club carol concert in the Market Place on December 23 at 7pm.

Everyone is welcome to the outdoor service, when Michelmersh Silver Band, Lockerley Church Choir, Romsey Male Voice Choir and members of Romsey Choral Society will be performing. Romsey Singers will be performing Christmas music at Romsey Abbey on December 20 from 7.30pm.And during Christmas week Romsey's twice-weekly street markets will be held on Monday December 23 and Christmas Eve.