LATE-NIGHT Christmas shopping begins in Hereford next week.

And there's a festive treat for shoppers, with free parking at county council-run car parks on selected dates.

Late-night shopping officially begins on Wednesday, November 20.

Herefordshire Council car parks in the city centre, on-street pay-and-display and the Old Market car park will be free for shoppers after 4pm for Christmas shopping on Wednesday, November 20 and 27, and on December 4, 11 and 18.

A range of shops will open late, including those at Maylord shopping centre, the Old Market, High Town and the surrounding area.

Concessions do not apply to Friars Street car park or any private car parks in the city centre, except the Old Market.

Herefordshire Council has also been working with town councils to offer free parking in council car parks for the following events:

Ledbury Christmas lights switch-on: Saturday. November 23

Ross-on-Wye Christmas Fayre: Sunday, November 24

Kington Food and Drink Festival: Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7

Leominster Small Business Saturday: Saturday, December 7

Leominster Victorian Street Market: Saturday, December 14

Other Christmas light events are happening, and shoppers should check locally for details of parking.

Hereford Christmas lights switch-on: Sunday, November 17. Old Market at 4.30pm, High Town at 5.30pm

Bromyard Christmas lights switch-on: Saturday, November 23

This Christmas will also see a festive feast of speciality markets in the heart of Hereford.

The Christmas market in Hereford High Town and Commercial Street will be on the following dates:

Thursday, December 5, 9am-4pm

Friday, December 6, 9am-4pm

Thursday, December 12, 9am-4pm

Friday, December 13, 9am-4pm

Arts market, Saturday, December 14, 10am-4pm

Late-night market:

Wednesday, December 18, 9am-8pm

Thursday 19 December, 9am-4pm

Friday 20 December, 9am-4pm