THE streets of Romsey town bustled with excitement ahead of Christmas with the Late-Night Shopping event last weekend.

The night was a success as many businesses extended their opening hours for just one day to help customers get on top of their Christmas shopping.

Stores like Kit and Caboodle as well as the family owned Bradbeers department store were open for those last-minute bargains and the night saw the beginning of Recycled By, a new clothing store owned by Ruth Spradbery, located at Bradbeers department store.

As well as shopping, Santa came to town but got himself into a bit of a tricky situation at the Romsey Town Hall. It just so happens; Romsey’s Fire and Rescue Service were on hand to help him out. He was lifted from the building and brought back to the ground by a crane operated by the servicemen.

All through the town there were various activities such as a nativity scene for photo opportunities provided by the Romsey Carnival Committee and music from The Mountbatten School band and Hampshire Constabulary’s Beat 44 Choir which merged with Sing Heart and Soul Choir for carol singing by the tree in Market Place. Romsey’s SJT Services provided the PA system for the evening.

MP Caroline Nokes, a supporter of small businesses said: “It’s great to be in Romsey for Late Night Shopping supporting the brilliant independent small traders we have in the town from a wide variety like Offord the jewellers, Kit and caboodle, Bradbeers which again is a family run business but what matters most is we make sure our traders are supported in the run up to Christmas so we can help them recover from the impacts of Covid.”