TOWN leaders have secured a well-known broadcaster to open a highly anticipated festive event in Malmesbury's town centre.

Malmesbury Town Council has announced that the current health editor at BBC News Hugh Pym will officially open the Christmas Late Night Shopping Event in Malmesbury with town mayor Gavin Grant on Friday, December 1.

Hugh, who has family in Malmesbury, and has been reporting on politics, economics, public spending and NHS finance for more than two decades.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Hugh Pym Hugh Pym (Image: PA)

This exciting annual event has been organised by Malmesbury Town Council and local business promotion group Malmesbury Town Team.

The town's shops and cafés will be open between 6pm and 9pm for residents to enjoy a festive late night shopping experience. 

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Retailers will be taking part in a best dressed window competition, so visitors will be able to view some spectacular displays.

The High Street will be lined with dozens of stalls, run by local groups and traders who will either be selling gifts, organising games, or offering food and refreshments.

At the Market Cross, there will be entertainment for the family including local choirs, Morris dancing, the town concert band and Santa’s grotto.

The town hall will also be open, playing host to an indoor Christmas market with more stalls for shoppers to browse around. 

Cllr Grant said: “We’re very grateful to Hugh for offering his services to open the event.

"It will be a great start to what is always a very enjoyable evening, showcasing Malmesbury at its best.”

Town councillor Kim Power said: “Malmesbury’s late night shopping is one of the highlights of the year for the town. 

"Not only is it a fantastic opportunity to start Christmas shopping, it’s a really festive, family affair and, falling as it does on December 1 this year, it’s a wonderful way to start the festive season.

"It's also a great way to support our retailers and producers, by shopping local."