Okehampton's flagship Christmas shopping event is set to return to the town tonight.

The whole town centre will enter into the spirit of the occasion with shops opening late and there will be live entertainment throughout the evening outside St James Chapel.

This year's Edwardian Evening begins at 5pm when the road closes and Entertainingly Different's Rob Pudner in his role of Master of Ceremonies will take the helm with support from Phil and Sam from Prosound Solutions.

Plenty of seasonal music and even a little snow will begin the countdown to the switching on of the town's brand new Christmas lights at 6pm.

This will be followed by the first appearance of the evening by Okehampton Excelsior Silver Band, then at 6.30pm Miss Mandy and the Footsteps School of Dance invite you to join them for a fabulous festive boogie before Keri Hardy and her aptly named Okehampton Christmas Choir make their debut with yuletide favourites before joining Mayor Cllr Bob Tolley and the silver band for the traditional 'Seven Carols at Seven' where everyone is encouraged to raise their voices in a celebration of Christmas.

Christine Marsh, chairperson of Everything Okehampton, commented: 'We hope the late night shopping extravaganza draws people back into town, there really does promise to be something for everyone and both locals and visitors can shop and enjoy what the town whilst soaking up the Christmas atmosphere.'

Some of the highlights:

Family entertainer Rob Pudner will provide some of his inimitable interactive antics and will be joined by Circus performer Maz Manuva who promises to delight and enthrall young and old alike with her LED and fire performance, hula hooping and contact juggling.

Their will be stalls and refreshments in the main street and Okehampton College PTFA will once again take the Charter Hall by storm with their stalls, Christmas hamper raffle and much anticipated chocolate tombola.

The Lions Club of Okehampton will be joined by wonderful close harmony trio The Hummingbirds, who as well as providing some entertainment next to the Memory Tree of Lights in Red Lion Yard. The Lions will also be collecting sponsorship for individual lights in memory of people's loved ones or celebration of a special occasion.

The Museum of Dartmoor Life will open late with courtyard, with entertainment and visitors of all ages can enjoy meeting Mother Christmas and her Elves as they make their way around the three fascinating floors.

A warm welcome awaits you around every corner and adding to the party-like feel some shopkeepers will even dress up for the occasion and offer mince pies, chocolates and mulled wine/sherry to old and new customers alike - yet another good reason to join the fun!