A LATE night shopping event with live music is hoping to give a boost to traders will be held in north Harrow at the end of the month.

Shops and businesses will be open until 8.30pm and visitors will be entertained by performances from schools and community groups.

Performances of Irish and Bollywood dancing, street dance and choirs will take place along Station Road and Pinner Road from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Children from Nower Hill High School, in George V Avenue, in Pinner, and St John Fisher Catholic Primary, in Melrose Road, Pinner, will be taking part.

In July, traders and councillors held an emergency meeting to form a group to help rejuvenate the high street in North Harrow, described by shoppers as "dreary, run-down and very dead".

The loss of Lloyds TSB bank, in Pinner Road, last December and increasing parking costs has caused the high street to decline over the years.

Last month, the Mayor of London gave around £360,000 to the Harrow Council for investment in North Harrow, which will be spent on additional parking and a package of support for businesses including festive lights, a website and promotional events and activity to encourage more residents to shop there.

Latha Kathir is chair of the North Harrow Traders Association, which is organising The Event.

She said: “The event is all about showing off the great range of shops and services in North Harrow and creating a real buzz about the area.

“There will be demonstrations, give-aways and vouchers to show people just how much the area has to offer and encourage them to do their shopping here more often.

“The whole community is coming together for a great evening of entertainment and late night shopping.

“We want North Harrow to be a thriving place to do business that gives local people what they want. In return we need local residents to support us, to shop local and to spread the word that North Harrow is open for business.

“The event will be the first of many as we gear up for the festive season so come along and show your support.”

Harrow mayor, Councillor Mrinal Choudhury, will be guest of honour at the festivities.

Councillor Keith Ferry, portfolio holder for planning and economic development, said: “It’s great to see traders and the wider community coming together to promote north Harrow.

“There is a real sense of excitement building in the area, with new shops opening soon and a huge programme of activity planned after the council won £360,000 of funding to help revitalise north Harrow.

“Residents want a great range of friendly, local businesses on their doorstep and in turn, local traders need the support of the local community. Get down on the 31st and see what your local shops have to offer.”