Late night Christmas shopping in Harrow Town Centre

Both St Ann's and St George's shopping centres are opening until 9pm on the night to give shoppers extra time to stock up on presents, decorations and other essentials for the festive season.

Hundreds of residents came to see X Factor contestant Johnny Robinson kick off the countdown to Christmas when he switched on the tree lights in Harrow Town Centre on 1st December.

Next week's event will feature street entertainers as the Council and local businesses continue showcasing what Harrow Town Centre has to offer. It is also an opportunity to see the colourful Christmas 'light garden' in St Ann 's Road. The event and goodie bag handout - the bags are limited edition, reusable Harrow shopping bags - starts at 5pm.

Cllr Keith Ferry, portfolio holder for planning and economic development on Harrow Council, said:

"Christmas is fast approaching and it can be a hectic time trying to pack in all the preparations and present shopping around work, school or your busy home life.

"This late-night shopping event is about giving shoppers extra time to pick up what they need, as well as showcasing the great range of shops in Harrow Town Centre.

"Retailers are also giving away offers in the goodie bags so get down early to get your hands on one."

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who set up the Outer London Fund to help rejuvenate and boost London's high streets and town centres said: "Our local town centres and high streets have a huge part to play in London 's future economic growth so I'm delighted that we've been able to support  Harrow town centre's exciting plans for the festive season through my Outer London Fund. Lighting up the high street and attracting shoppers from across the borough it will bring a real buzz to the High Street and kicked off what promises to be a 'cracking' Christmas season."

The Outer London Fund is a three year initiative focused on the regeneration of town centres and their high streets, backed by £50 million and the offer of specialist support. The Fund will nurture activities that range from modest awareness and enthusiasm-raising efforts, to more substantial built works and development-enabling projects.

Harrow Council received £496,000 to increase spend and footfall in Harrow Town Centre. Initiatives funded include town centre management, events (dance and food), marketing (website, business directory, visual merchandising), banners, pop ups shops, environmental improvements, festive lights, and work placements for young people.