Sidmouth’s late-night shopping event returns, from 5pm to 8pm tonight (Friday).

Festivities will take place across the town, with refreshments available and lots going on in and outside many shops.

The event will boast handmade pizzas, zumba sessions and donkeys in the market square, while the scouts will be holding a raffle outside The Anchor and offering hot chestnuts in Church Street. Don’t miss carol singing and, performances from Sidmouth Town Band - or your chance to meet Father Christmas.

He will be in Market Place from 6.15pm, courtesy of the Lions Club of Sidmouth, and his helpers will be on hand in high-vis jackets for anyone who needs assistance.

There will be plenty of other attractions on offer and the whole area promises to be a treat, complete with appearances from a steam engine and the town’s famous ‘toast rack’ car.

Tonight’s festivities will be followed tomorrow by Sidmouth’s first Velo Vintage ride, featuring cyclists in retro clobber and on vintage bikes and even a penny farthing or two.

See page 23 for more information about getting involved.