THERE will be festive cheer in Tisbury this year as the community bands together to plan the village’s first late night Christmas shopping event.

Tis the Season will include a skating rink, street market, carol singing and the Christmas lights switch on.

It has been organised by the Tisbury Traders Association, which was determined to see some Christmas spirit in the village after there were fears the annual lights may have to be switched off for good because the cost of stringing up and testing them is more than £1,500.

However, thanks to funding from the traders and a grant from the south west area board, this year’s Christmas extravaganza can now go ahead.

“Tisbury has such a strong community spirit but people, even those who live quite nearby, don’t know what we have to offer,” said one of the event’s organisers Janet Amos.

“We thought we would do something really big to show everyone what we have here.

“It’s time to stop hiding our light under a bushel and what better time to show off Tisbury than at Christmas?”

The village shops will stay open until 9pm and many local businesses will be doing demonstrations including festive food and wine tastings, and floral wreath making.

The skating rink will be open throughout the evening and Father Christmas will be pulling into the village to turn on the lights and meet excited children.

Market stalls will offer a range of festive goods and gifts and there will be plenty of music, games and refreshments.

“The support we’ve had from traders and people in the village has been fantastic,” said Mrs Amos.

“We’re just hoping for some fine weather and we’re sure that Tisbury will be buzzing.”

Tis the Season takes place in the High Street, Tisbury on December 5 from 4pm to 9pm. Father Christmas will arrive outside the Benett Hotel at 4pm. Free parking is available.