WE wish you a merry Christmas... that's the message to residents as Leighton gets set for its biggest ever festive shopping spectacular.

Businesses have got together to organise a host of fantastic events for the I Love LB Group's Christmas Shopping Weekend.

The fun will be taking place in Leighton High Street and Market Square from this Friday (November 27) and running through until Sunday (November 29) inclusive.

Festive thrills on Friday (4pm to 8pm):

>> Late night shopping: All of the town centre shops, including Peacock Mews and Ryland Mews will be staying open until 8pm giving you that extra time to browse at your leisure and pick that something special for your someone special.

>> Fancy dress competition: All entrants to be by the Market Cross by 6.10pm. The winner will be picked by our town mayor Councillor Karen Cursons and will go on to switch on the Christmas Lights.

Switching on the Christmas lights (6.25pm)

Fireworks display (6.30pm) after which there will be an ice rink, giant carousel, ferris wheel, children's fairground rides, refreshments.

>> Saturday (10am to 4pm) brings:

Magicians, fire eaters, balloon men, many more street entertainers, an ice rink, treasure hunt, giant carousel, ferris wheel, children's fairground rides, hot chestnuts, Christmas Market. Live bands, choirs and musicians (performing from a specially-constructed stage at the top end of the High Street).

Santa's Grotto at Barringtons.

>> Sunday (10am to 4pm) includes:

Cycling fun throughout the day (bring your bike), an ice rink, giant carousel, ferris wheel, children's fairground rides, hot chestnuts, magicians, fire eaters, balloon men, many more street entertainers, Christmas Market, refreshments, Santa's Grotto at Barringtons.