FROM the vibrant Waterfront to the town centre, Ipswich has something for everyone this Christmas.

Paul Clement, chief executive of Ipswich Central, has today backed the East Anglian Daily Times’ Shop Local this Christmas campaign to encourage people to support the town’s businesses.

He said: “The Christmas period is very important for retailers.

“The four or five weeks leading up to Christmas is when many of them make the money that enables them to continue throughout the year.

“It is very important for them that they are supported. So far as Ipswich is concerned, there is much on offer in the town and I am confident this year will be better than last.

“There are more businesses and the town centre looks better than last year.”

Last weekend’s Christmas lights switch-on drew in crowds of more than 5,000 people which Mr Clement was delighted about. He added: “The debate about the tree and the Christmas decorations is also encouraging a lot of people from a wide area to come to Ipswich to see what all the fuss is about.”

Ipswich has plenty to offer throughout December, starting with a festive market in the newly-named Blackfriars area of the town. Traders in Fore Street, Orwell Place, Upper Orwell Street and Eagle Street have teamed up to put on the Christmas market next Sunday from 10am-4pm, featuring a mix of traditional Christmas wares including decorations, festive food, preserves, clothing and handmade jewellery.

Late-night shopping continues every Thursday until Christmas while the Ipswich market is increasing its trading hours to run every day between December 21 and January 1, excluding Christmas Day.