Late night Christmas shopping returns to Saffron Walden

The event, organised by Saffron Walden Initiative, took place on Friday, December 1, with a range of festive stalls available.

Father Christmas and his elf at the late night shopping event (Image: Saffron Walden Initiative)

Musicians and the cast of Cinderella entertained crowds from 4pm to 8.30pm, while Father Christmas and one of his elves gave out gifts to children.

This year Saffron Walden Initiative organised a 'Write a song for Christmas' competition, with the winner announced at the late night shopping event.

Mayor of Saffron Walden Cllr Heather Asker presented winner Elliot Porter with a framed certificate.

Crowds enjoyed the late night shopping event in Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Walden Initiative)

Elliot then performed his winning entry 'Christmas In My Heart' for everyone to enjoy.

As part of his prize, Elliot will also receive a free recording session at Fairycroft House. 

Second place went to Sakara Pritchard for 'My Christmas Wish', and third place was awarded to Sienna Denton for 'Santa On His Way'.

Elliot Porter singing his winning Christmas song (Image: Saffron Walden Initiative)

This year there were 20 entries in total, and Saffron Walden Initiative plans to record them all to produce a Christmas CD for 2024.

All entries have been invited to perform at next year's late night Christmas shopping event.

Winstanley Christmas Late Night Shopping is named after William Winstanley, known as the ‘man who saved Christmas’.

The Winstanley Christmas Late Night Shopping event in Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Walden Initiative)

A poet, journalist and historian, William Winstanley from Saffron Walden (1628 - 1698) was known for writing about Christmas and its customs.

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He helped revive interest in the festivities post-Restoration, after they had been banned by the Puritans for 13 years and almost forgotten.

Winstanley's ideas were used as inspiration for Charles Dickens when writing A Christmas Carol.

Families enjoyed the late night shopping event in Saffron Walden (Image: Saffron Walden Initiative)

Peter Riding, from Saffron Walden Initiative, said: “Huge thanks to Lee Dorrington, Anna Percival, Martin Porter, Jason Cole, Keith Churchward, David Pledger, George, Andrew Green, Lynn from the Emporium, Coverman, Shorelines, Ukulele Band, Elliot Porter, Lara and Somewhere to Sing, Tim Atkinson, Paul Bellany and The Writer’s Room children, the mayor, UCAN, the volunteers, the charity and market stalls, our sponsors Saffron Hall, Saffron Building Society and Saffron Walden Town Council.”

Money raised from the event will go towards Fairycroft House Young Carers Holiday Fund.

Mayor of Saffron Walden Cllr Heather Asker and winning singer Elliot Porter (Image: Mart's Arts Photography)