As the countdown begins,  Ipswich residents  – and visitors – can anticipate the start of one of the most exciting Christmas build-ups seen in the town centre.

Instead of focusing on a single lights switch-on, Ipswich Central and Ipswich Borough Council have created a plethora of treats, giveaways, performances and spectacles to enjoy.

This coming Thursday marks the first late night shopping opportunity for the Christmas season 2009, with the remaining nights running right up to December 17^th.

The ‘Five Nights of Christmas’ will kick off with a lantern-lit procession through the Town Centre. Leading the parade will be Santa and his sleigh, followed by 100 Girl Guides, dancing elves from Stagecoach Theatre School, members of Heart Radio, stilt walkers, fire eaters and much more.

The streets will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with snow falling on shoppers and onlookers as they enjoy the Christmassy scene. Crowds will be entertained by carol singing, a percussion band, Decorum dance troop and Daisy the Cow from Jack and the Beanstalk. Children and adults alike can also take part in a Christmas themed treasure hunt around the town.

Shoppers are being encouraged to enjoy the festivities across the five weeks – using Park and Ride wherever possible to make for an even more ‘stress free’ Christmas shopping experience. Suffolk Passenger Transport has extended the service with the season in mind and shoppers can benefit from the service up to 9.45pm.

Paul Clement, executive director of Ipswich Central, said: “The line-up we have created for Christmas 2009 in Ipswich really is very diverse and promises an enormous amount of entertainment for shoppers. Every week is going to bring another excitement and more opportunities to win prizes, all against a great backdrop of music and colour.”

This year's Christmas shopping nights take place on Thursday 19^th and 26^th November, and 3^rd, 10^th and 17^th December.

www.ipswichcentral.com Full details of the five-week plan and the various activities taking place can be found onand will also feature on a weekly basis.

Look out for great online and radio competitions linked to this year’s Ipswich Christmas celebrations!