Indulge in a spot of late night Christmas shopping in Southwell

December is possibly the busiest month but that doesn't mean you have to resort to buying all your gifts online. Instead visit the elegant town of Southwell this Thursday when independent shops will be throwing open their doors for a late night shopping evening. In today's guest blog, Sarah Payne from the Tourist Information Centre in Southwell explains what's in store.  This Thursday evening Southwell will be filled with the festive spirit as shops and restaurants throughout the town open for their annual Late Night Shopping Evening. Forget Black Friday and Cyber Monday and instead escape the frenzy of frantic shopping in the city and frustrating online crashes by browsing at your leisure among the tempting array of small, independent businesses offering gifts to suit everyone - whatever their age or budget - in pleasant surroundings and all within comfortable walking distance. If you have never been Southwell then don't miss your chance to discover delightful gift shops such as Burley's and A Fly Went By, fashion stores including Real Clothing and Little Herbert Shoe Shop along with specialist shops such as Mr and Mrs Fine Wine and Country Home Interiors. Every shop will have its own surprises so choose from clothing and shoes, arts, crafts and antiques, books and stationery, flowers, sportswear, wine and edible delicacies, vintage and home interior treats – something for all your family and friends – or yourself! The market square will provide horticultural offerings as well as hot chestnuts and will also be the venue for children from Lowes Wong and Holy Trinity Schools singing carols at 5.30pm. Throughout the evening there will be buskers from the Minster School providing music with piano accompaniment. Visit the Bull Yard courtyard with your children to see the snow scene complete with Christmas elves. Complete your evening with food and drink of all kinds in the warmth and comfort of the many tea shops, restaurants and pubs or simply indulge in a glass of wine and a hot mince pie. There is still time to enter the FREE Grand Prize Draw by visiting the retailer’s website. Further details on shops around Southwell are available via the Experience Nottinghamshire website. We look forward to seeing you!