ORGANISERS of a Lindley Christmas event are hoping to pull a missing magician out of the hat this year!

Lidget Street traders are already gearing up for their annual late-night shopping event.

This year is set to be as spectacular as ever, with a number of events planned to get people into the festive spirit.

The organisers are already on the lookout for all kinds of street performers to entertain the crowds.

And for last year's organisers, Jellybeans, there is one performer in particular who can help make the night really magical.

They want the young magician who wowed people with his fantastic tricks last year to help out again.

But they have no idea who the talented youngster is, as he vanished into the night - as if by magic!

Joanna Dyson, of Jellybeans, said the boy's dad had arranged by phone for his son to take part.

She said: "His dad said he had done a lot of tricks and wanted to take part - but I can't remember his name.

"He was 12 or 13, about 5ft 2in tall and quite skinny, with dark, spiky hair.

"He went up and down the street, and did various tricks, like card tricks and riding a unicycle while juggling.

"Then he gave us the money, about £50, we said `thank you' and he disappeared before we had a chance to get any contact details off him.

"He was very good and we would like him to get in touch and come back."

This year's event is being co-ordinated by vintage furniture shop Found. Owner Jayne Carmichael said she wants to top the £2,000 total raised for the Forget-Me-Not Trust last year.

This year the cash raised will be split between the trust, which plans to build a children's hospice, and the Laura Crane Trust cancer charity.

The theme running through all the businesses this year is I Love Lindley, with heart-shaped wreaths on display.

Traders will hold a number of promotions, including festive food.

There will be lots of activities to keep the children entertained.

They include a Santa's grotto, treasure trail and a name the teddy competition at the Children's Book Shop.

Jayne said organisers were looking for performance artists, such as dancers, musicians and jugglers.

They are also looking for somewhere to house Santa and his grotto, as the shop he was in last year is unavailable.

Anyone wanting to help should phone Jayne on 0795 0109181.