THOUSANDS of shoppers are expected to flock to Southend High Street on Saturday evening for the town’s first ever late-night festive extravaganza.

The event will see street entertainers, a Bavarian market and people in fancy dress out in force from 7pm until midnight.

The carnival atmosphere and family-friendly vibe is expected to lure crowds of shoppers.

Police hope it will make the town centre a safer place at night as well as give traders a boost. Chief Inspector John Walker, of Southend Police, said: “Southend is a vibrant town that comes to life at night.

“We are keen to encourage local residents and families, who would normally stay at home on a Saturday night, to go to the High Street to see for themselves just how safe and enjoyable the town centre is after dark”.

The event will also involve extra food and craft stalls lit up with Christmas lights and is being organised by the Night Time Economy Group, which is made up of Southend’s clubs and bars.

Ian Robertson, councillor responsible for public protection, said: “This is a terrific opportunity to extend the special Christmas activities taking place in the High Street earlier in the day.

“We are very grateful to the group for organising this extra-special event.”

Simon Ford, Southend’s community safety manager, said: “We want to encourage families and a wider range of visitors to Southend town centre at night, for them to see the fabulous facilities the area has to offer.”

Dick De Vine, who owns a nightclub with the same name in the town, said: “Along with other licensed premises in Southend, I will be encouraging my staff to take part in this event by coming to work in fancy dress.

“It would be great to see people coming to our bar dressed in costume and this will add to the fun atmosphere that we hope to see throughout the town on Saturday.”