FINAL preparations are busily being made for Alcester's St Nicholas Night, set for Tuesday.

The event, held in the town centre, will offer fireworks, stalls, a farmers' market, street entertainers and food and beers from 5.30pm to 10pm.

The High Street will be closed to traffic to allow visitors and residents to enjoy late night shopping, children's rides, a pig roast, barrel organ, and morris dancing, among other entertainment including clowns and street entertainment and a musical celebration by Alcester primary and secondary schools and Alcester Junior Silver Band.

The night, put on by Advantage Alcester, Alcester Chamber of Trade and Commerce, St Nicholas Church and other organisations, is hoped to be even better than last year's, which attracted 3,000 visitors.

And following ancient tradition, a Boy Bishop will be elected for the night, who will ride on a sleigh at the head of a procession of Alcester organisations, including the Court Leet, culminating in the lighting of St Nicholas Church and the Christmas tree, with a peal of church bells.

At 8.30pm there will be a firework display on the recreation ground, and the Rosie Bones duo will provide a grand finale at 8.45pm.

Special St Nicholas ales will be offered at the Three Tuns and the Holly Bush, where a St Nicholas Supper will also be provided.

Festivities will end with Compline of St Nicholas, a 15-minute minute sung service with Gregorian chant, in St Nicholas Church at 10pm.

A percentage of money made by shops and stalls will go to youth projects in the town. Extra parking on the night is available at Alcester Grammar School, St Benedict's Roman Catholic School and Rotary International.