Where: Winchcombe town centre

When: Tuesday, December 3, 5pm to 8pm

Shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants in the historic Cotswold town of Winchcombe will be throwing open their doors on Tuesday, December 3, for an evening of festive shopping and celebration from 5pm until 8pm.

With something for everyone from sweet treats to foodie delights, free family fun to gift shopping galore and a bustling Christmas market, a warm Winchcombe welcome awaits.

Bustling with hundreds of festive shoppers among the stunning backdrop of the town's ancient architecture beautifully lit with sparkling Christmas trees and lights, the evening captures all the charm of a Cotswold Christmas.

There will be an abundance of free festive entertainment around the town throughout the evening to keep everyone entertained too.

It's the perfect way to kick start the yuletide season with Christmas market stalls and delicious hot food stalls taking over North Street and Abbey Terrace, and local shops opening late to showcase a seasonal selection of fine food and drink and locally made crafts.

Last year over 2,000 people attended the festival, with many families returning every year, making the night a family Christmas tradition.

Organised by Winchcombe Together Association, with support from Winchcombe Rotary Club, the evening brings together businesses, traders, charities and community groups to share what makes the town such a great place to live, work and visit in a real show of Christmas spirit.

Phil Parker, who is co-ordinating this year's festival, said: "We're really looking forward to welcoming lots of families to enjoy lots of festive fun at this year's Christmas Festival.

"Winchcombe is a truly welcoming Cotswold town and the Christmas Festival is an opportunity for us all to come together to shine and showcase what our beautiful town is all about."