Traders in Nansledan are gearing up the festive season with the first of two late-night shopping evenings taking place next week.

On Friday, 26th November, many of Nansledan’s traders will be open until 9pm, providing the perfect opportunity for some local Christmas shopping, from homewares and accessories, to vintage clothing and wines from around the world.

Two weeks later, on Friday 10th December, the community will come together for the switching on of Nansledan’s Christmas lights, when there will be late night shopping, mulled wine, hot chocolate and singing. The Philleigh Way cookery school will have its pop-up food trailer on site, and other businesses will be open for food and drink into the evening.

There are various activities planned, from decorating gingerbread to gift wrapping workshops and tree decorating, offering fun for all the family.

The events are being organised by the Nansledan Community Association (NCA) and follow a successful summer fete and barbecue in Nansledan’s Parc Mengleudh in August.

The NCA’s Theresa Ferguson said: “Our summer event was a huge success so we wanted to do something that brings the community together in the run-up to Christmas while supporting our local traders at the same time.

“We’ve got a fast-growing business community in Nansledan with lovely local shops including quite a few start-up businesses and we hope people will come from the wider Newquay area and discover what’s here.”

There are now more than 20 businesses based in Nansledan, ranging from local shops and cafes to professional services like accountancy and recruitment. In the coming weeks five more businesses are preparing to open.

Ben Murphy, Estates Director for the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a buzz among the growing number of Nansledan’s businesses and we’re delighted to be supporting these festive events. We’re providing two Christmas trees which will be in place in time for the first event on 26th November and alongside the rest of the community we can’t wait for the Christmas lights switch-on on 10th December.

“Nansledan is a special place with an incredible community spirit and we all look forward to celebrating this special time of year.”