WEYMOUTH is turning back the clock for its biggest ever night of festive entertainment and shopping.

The revamped Victorian Shownight will be held in Weymouth town centre tonight from 3pm to 9pm.

Stovepipe hats, frock coats and petticoats will be the order of the evening as shoppers enjoy Christmas stalls and entertainment.

Father Christmas and his reindeer will arrive at 5pm while the lighting up parade begins at 6pm.

The parade will culminate in Weymouth and Portland Mayor Ray Banham and pantomime characters pressing a button to turn on Weymouth’s Christmas lights.

An ice rink and stalls will be open from 3pm and the entertainment, including choirs and festive stilt walkers, will start at 3.45pm.

Most shops will be staying open late and a number of in-store activities will be held at shops and businesses including Debenhams, Fiona Penny at Sunflowers and Thorntons.

Shoppers will be able to Count the Pudding at Battens solicitors, Hunt the Snowman at Costa and sample luxury liqueurs and cheese at Chalbury Food & Wine. There will even be a special Victorian performance of Punch and Judy outside Marks & Spencer at 7.15pm.

Parking in all council-run town centre car parks is free from 3pm.

The event has been organised by Roger Dalton Associates in conjunction with and with the support of the Weymouth Business Improvement District (BID) team. Local business consultancy Roger Dalton Associates will be working on Weymouth BID events for the next three years and Shownight will be their first event. Mr Dalton said: “Our aim is to create an atmosphere just how Christmas used to be.

“Many businesses have joined in the fun by setting up stalls outside their premises and have staff dressed in Victorian costume. “Some shops are also running events inside their own businesses with special offers for customers.”

Nigel Reed, manager of the Weymouth BID, added: “I am sure that the Victorian Shownight will be one to be remembered.”