FOLLOWING the success of the Great Christmas Festival last week, it's now the turn for Barnards Green traders to show what they can do to make Yuletide go with a bang.

And the Malvern Gazette's #VeryMalvern campaign, now in its third week, is attracting more and more local traders eager to share their contributions across social media.

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 5) sees the Barnards Green Christmas Extravaganza, which included four under-cover venues hosting a rich variety of entertainment to please children of all ages.

As in previous years, the event will raise money for charity, and this year the chosen cause is Alzheimer's UK's dementia cafe in Malvern.

Jane Knowles of the traders' association said: "In the last seven years, the traders have raised over £11,000 for local charities, which is a great example of traders serving their community and the community really benefitting. The Christmas Extravaganza coincides with Small Business Saturday, so please come along, have fun and support your local traders."

MP Harriett Baldwin is urging people to shop local this Christmas and support Small Business Saturday.

Small Business Saturday aims to encourage people to use their local traders and retailers during the peak seasonal shopping period.

She said: "I shop as often as I can in local stores across West Worcestershire and I encourage as many people as possible to do the same.

“Each Christmas I make a point of dropping in to a number of local shops to buy presents – it’s more fun than shopping online and I often get many more ideas by having a wander.

“Small Business Saturday is an important initiative to help to promote our local traders but it is important to show our support all year round, not just for one day in December.

“Local retailers are at the heart of our economy, providing local services and creating jobs and I will do all I can to support them as they compete with international retailing operations.”

And don't forget that Malvern Hills District Council is offering free parking in all its car parks in Malvern and Upton each Friday and Saturday in the run-up to Christmas, so you won't be out of pocket.