Witham and Braintree are gearing up for their late-night shopping extravaganzas on Friday.

In Witham, the Cockney Nite winter festival celebration is preparing to light up the town for its largest ever East End bash.

Festoon lights will brighten the Grove Centre, Newlands Centre and the main area of Newlands Street for the first time.

A parade will start the evening's activities at 6pm, headed by carnival queen Lisa Winfield, with Father Christmas, two jazz bands, street entertainers, jugglers, unicyclists and dance teams.

"It will be a real celebration with a difference this year," said Roy Belsham, one of the Chamber of Commerce organisers.

Witham Majorettes and Twirlettes will perform their dancing routines at the end of the parade, while the New Era Jazz Band and Mayfair Ragtimers will keep the beat going throughout the town centre.

There will also be a junior pearly king and queen competition, barrel organs and stalls offering hot chestnuts, old-fashioned London street food, jellied eels and pie and mash -- and even mulled wine.

Organisers hope that many shop staff will be in traditional costume, adding to the spirit of the evening.

Mr Belsham thanked businesses for their sponsorship contribution towards the new festoon lighting.

"It will be a real asset for the town -- not just now, but for the future," he said.

There will also be plenty of festive frolics when Braintree holds its annual late-night shopping and entertainment evening tonight.

Most of the shops will be open until between 8pm and 9pm, and many members of staff will be dressing up in the theme of That's Entertainment, to keep the shoppers in the seasonal spirit.

The rest of the evening kicks off at 6pm, when attractions such as funfair rides and a flight simulator will be open to the public.

Braintree Male Voice Choir will be singing at the George Yard Centre and EMC, the music shop, will be giving a demonstration in Bank Street.

There will also be mulled wine, biscuits, and free newspapers handed out by the Essex Chronicle.

The highlight of the evening will be the free firework display at 8pm.

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