Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce organises bumper helping of fun for Friday’s late night shopping event

PUPILS from St Nicholas Junior School, Woolbrook, and Sidbury Primary School, will sing carols at Sidmouth Parish Church at 6.50pm on Friday, December 3, during the town’s late night shopping event.

There will be a chance, during this open evening, to have al look around the newly re-ordered church and stalls will be manned selling olive wood figures from the Holy Land, notelets and other items.

Mulled wine and light refreshments will be served during the evening.

Next door, Sidmouth Museum re-opens just for the afternoon and evening, to offer a last chance to see its 2010 exhibits and meet Jeremy Butler, author of Peter Orlando Hutchinson’s Diary of A Devon Antiquary, which covers the Sidmouth Victorian’s life from 19871-94.

Meanwhile, Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce has plenty on offer between 5pm and 8pm, besides many of the town centre shops remaining open.

In Market Place children will be entertained by Professor Fumble, there will be carol singing by All Saints Infants School pupils, music from Sidmouth Town Band and songs from Sidmouth Folk Choir.

In other places around the town there will be roaming carol singers, the Salvation Army, a four-piece band, giveaways, face painting and music from Heart Angels, two pig roasts provided by The Educated Pig Hog Roast and hot chestnuts will be sold by Guides and Sid Vale Explorers at two locations.

Father Christmas will make an entrance on his sleigh, helped by Sidmouth Lions, opposite The Anchor, Old Fore Street, and Sidmouth Mummers will make a welcome return, hot from switching on the Christmas lights two weeks ago.

Sidmouth Prayer Room, Holmdale Chapel, will have a Nativity scene with the chance for children to dress up, called Follow the Star, Visit the Stable, and Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary plans to bring some of its donkeys to town .

Crepes will be available to those still hungry, and many shops, the museum, Sidmouth Methodist and parish church, will offer coffee, mulled wine and mince pies.

Sidmouth in Bloom will be selling its 40th anniversary tea towels and Julie will offer face painting. Last, but not least, Sidmouth’s own Toast Rack will be putting in an appearance on Friday.