Entertainment & Shopping!

There was a lively line-up of music and panto for Late Night Shopping in Olney's Market Place - with everyone getting in the festive spirit. 

On stage, there were Christmas Carols from Olney’s brass band, songs from the Middle School Choir and The Bolivian Sunshine Dogs. A performance of The Jungle Book and appearances from a panto Dame and a giant inflatable Santa proved popular with the children.  

Olney's Late Night entertainment was provided by the town's Chamber of Trade to promote local shops in the run-up to their most important trading time of the year. The Mayor and Mayoress attended.

The Chair of the Chamber, Kim Durden said "It was a lovely Christmas atmosphere on the market with the children singing and the sound of the brass band. Despite the wet weather there were shoppers whose spirits weren't dampened." 

The Co-op donated a first prize of a £100 hamper and there were other prizes from Wardrobe in Rose Court, Davis Optometrists, Aubergine Cookshop, Wild About Chocolate and others for a 'shop bingo' and a raffle.

The organiser, Anna Wingerath had put considerable time and effort into securing the  entertainment, prizes and publicity. 

Many local shops benefited from opening late. The Much Ado cafe and deli (opposite the Co-op) was filled with people sampling the finest Christmas produce and mulled wine.

And the galleries of Icetwice gallery on the High Street were also buzzing with people enjoying a glass of wine and the chance of a Christmas preview. 

Wardrobe in Rose Court also stayed open, with a steady stream of customers, and other shops around the Market Place were busy.