Budleigh traders are hoping a night of fun and festivities at this year’s late-night shopping extravaganza will kick off a bumper festive trading season.

The event, organised by Budleigh Salterton Chamber of Commerce, will take place next Friday, December 5, with shops and businesses remaining open until 8.30pm, and entertainment the whole length of the town.

Chamber chairman Christine Bentley said: “We’re hoping for an enjoyable evening, and that the tills will ring in the shops.”

Christine added that the chamber would like to thank the volunteers who erected the town’s Christmas lights, and SSE Lighting.

Margo Jessup, of Top Notch, said: “I hope it will be a good evening. We’re always packed out, but we’ve got such a selection of gifts. [Independent shops] offer an exceptional choice.”

Budleigh in Business chairman Angela Yarwood said she hoped trade throughout the festive period would be helped by East Devon District Council offering £2 parking all day in its car parks in December.

She added: “The town is looking really good now with some of the shops refurbished and, with the Christmas lights, it’s looking great.”

The late-night shopping entertainment kicks off at 6pm with the parade from the Public Hall featuring Santa, the fire brigade, Budleigh Salterton Carnival Club and the Exmouth Town Band.

Santa will then be in his grotto, with other entertainment including carol singing with the Budleigh Churches Partnership, singing from the Imperial College Operatic Society, live jazz, the Budleigh Salterton Male Voice Choir, and performances from local schoolchildren.

There will also be bell ringing, a performance from the Budleigh Ukulele Strumming Club, and a nativity play by St Peter’s School.

Entertainer Professor Bumble, paid for by Budleigh in Business, will be moving up the town, starting from Fairlynch Museum, which will offer mince pies and mulled wine.

There will also be food available from the barbecue run by Devon Freewheelers.