Christmas shoppers in Bartholomew Street on Saturday 3 December are set to be entertained by the Bart Street Christmas Bash. Organised by local traders, the Bash will feature live music, street entertainers, festive food, flowers and decorations, snow and bubble machines and lots more.

"The Bart Street Christmas Bash is an even bigger and better event than Last year's Christmas Carnival which proved a huge success with shoppers," said Sarah Arrowsmith of Snappy Snaps. "Christmas shopping can be a bit fraught, but in Bartholomew Street it's going to be a lot of fun. We've seen the TV series Making Slough Happy - and we are doing our bit for Newbury!"

Pip and Pop stilt walkers will be mingling amongst shoppers and Lisa Eastley of Natures Corner will give demonstrations of her twirling skills.

Seasonal refreshments - Christmas Punch, hot chestnuts and organic hot dogs - will be available and, whatever the weather, there will be snow in Bartholomew Street thanks to a snow machine.

The morning's event will be broadcast live by Kick FM and in the afternoon, the street will echo to the seasonal tunes of the East Woodhay Silver band.

Needless to say, a certain bearded gentleman will be making an appearance and children will be able to have their photos taken with him when they receive their gift of sweets.

Traders organising the Bart Street Christmas Bash are: Debenhams, Emporium, Kitchen Monger, Laura Ashley, Maher the Bookseller, Naseby Collection, National Schoolwear Centres, Natures Corner, Roderick Anthony and Snappy Snaps.