On Thursday 2nd December Marlow celebrated its 20th annual late night shopping.
The tradition, run by Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce, to close the high street and open shops plus local stalls started in 1990 and has been popular with shoppers ever since. 
There was concern that this year the town wouldn’t be funded by the shops in the town centre, whether any of the large chain stores put there hands in there pockets to help toward the funding of the lights, the tree or the signage hasn’t been discovered, but the evening itself was still a success.
The High Street was closed from 4pm to 9.30pm for the event and included the Christmas lights switch on at 6pm by Town Councillor Roger Wilson and a carol service.
As usual the stalls ranged from hard sellers and rides to schools, charities and local hotels/shops. And the salvation army was heard up the high street, bringing Christmas cheer.
The more bizarre part, which I forget about every year, is the nativity procession along the High Street with live animals. Organised by the Marlow Methodist Church, it is always strange when the thronging crowd parts and a donkey or sheep comes through.
The fake snow really made everyone get into the spirit and the atmosphere made the hoards of people pleasant!
Loads of the shops offered mince pies and either bubbles or mulled wine (or soft drinks).
Unfortunately there was no real snow, but that was the only let down – once again the town council put on a great show… definitely not to be missed next year!
