A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage traders to open their doors on a Sunday for this year's St Nicholas Night celebrations.

The festival runs every year on December 6 and Alcester holds a charity market along High Street with a boy bishop appointed for the evening to represent St Nicholas who leads a parade through the town to switch on the lights of the town Christmas tree.

Traditionally there is also entertainment and the evening culminates in a huge fireworks display.

The festival is a major event in Alcester's calendar, but it has never fallen on a Sunday before and organisers are concerned shops might not open for the evening.

The Rev Canon David Capron started the festival six years ago, he said: “It may seem strange for a vicar to be encouraging shopping on a Sunday, but having the shops open for this hugely popular event is vital. They are undoubtedly a big factor in attracting the thousands of people who come into Alcester for these celebrations each year.

"But it is not just about raising money, it is about developing community spirit, officially kicking off Christmas in the town and spreading the true meaning of this very special time of year.”

Alcester's Chamber of Trade and Commerce is supporting the event. Chair, Andy Mills, added: “When St Nicholas Night was founded the whole idea was to forge closer links between the church, the traders and the community. It is now without question one of the biggest events in the town calendar. It always attracts many visitors, and the town is widely known for its array of good quality small independent retailers, who offer goods not often found in national chain outlets. We will be encouraging as many members as possible to join in.”

Wendy Parkes, an Alcester trader, has already decided to open the doors of the Fine Food Emporium for the event.

“We will definitely be opening for business on the day,” she said. “St Nicholas Night is one of the highlights of the year for us. High Street always looks so beautiful once it gets dark. There is no question that the shops all dressed for Christmas, the pretty lights, the market, the entertainment and the amazing fireworks display attracts in the crowds.”