Gifts galore and festive fun at North Herts Museum and Hitchin Town Hall

Hitchin Town Hall will showcase nearly 100 independent local businesses later this month - where you'll find a host of handmade and unique gifts.

The museum will also be running craft activities for children and a history trail around the museum, while hand-knitted Christmas decorations will be available in the shop with special discounts (for one day only) on traditional toys which would make perfect Christmas presents.

Organisers say: "We're getting in the Christmas spirit with Museum Shop Sunday and other festive events in the run up to the big day.

"Our gorgeous gift shop at North Herts Museum has been preparing for the event of the year – Museum Shop Sunday (November 26) so why not make a visit part of your Christmas shopping experience.

"This international campaign highlights the vital role of retail in helping arts, cultural and heritage venues to survive and thrive."

There will be free entry to the Christmas Creative Market this Saturday, November 25 and Sunday, November 26

Councillor Keith Hoskins, Executive Member for Enterprise and Arts, said: "The museum holds about a million objects, ranging from moths to a Georgian fire engine, from paintings to prehistoric pieces of ceramic, helping to preserve our history and tell the stories of the people who have lived and worked here. Museums provide a vital space for us to learn, think, research and feel."

Visitors will also be able to get a copy of an exclusive reprint of i-Spy at the Museum, produced especially for North Herts Museum and not available anywhere else.

Councillor Tamsin Thomas, deputy Executive Member for Enterprise and Arts, added: "We've worked really hard to ensure we have a well-stocked shop with a wide range and variety of items for all interests, ages and budgets, so please support us this Museum Shop Sunday."