Once again, Ottery St Mary s late night Christmas shopping event on Friday, November 27, promises to be a grand occasion. Organised by the town s Chamber of Commerce, the day starts with a Christmas Fayre at the Institute, Yonder Street.

Once again, Ottery St Mary's late night Christmas shopping event on Friday, November 27, promises to be a grand occasion.

Organised by the town's Chamber of Commerce, the day starts with a Christmas Fayre at the Institute, Yonder Street.

From 10am to 3pm, there will be plenty of Christmas delights on offer, from local produce and home-made cakes, to face-painting.

Children will get a festive story-telling treat as Ottery librarian Carol Pentecost will read to youngsters at the Parish Church at 5pm.

At 5.30pm local families are invited to join in a torch-lit procession from the church to the grounds of the Old Convent.

Mayor Glyn Dobson, chairman of Ottery's Chamber of Commerce Vivienne Abbott and Honiton town crier Dave Retter will lead the procession alongside the town's Carnival queen and princesses.

At 6pm the fun really begins as the town choir sing carols and the Carnival royalty will be joined by local radio DJ Colin Slade for the big lights switch on. Colin will then judge the fancy dress competition. Age groups for this range from one to 12 years old.

Ottery's Citizen of the Year, Roland Sanders, will act as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Ottery will be filled with festive cheer throughout the evening as its Town Band perform and morris dancers will also be part of the fun.

Shops, packed with Christmas goodies, will be open until 8pm and an evening Christmas Fayre at the Coleridge Playgroup will feature a visit from Father Christmas himself.