Following an amazing turnout of 9,000 at the Fenwick store in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on Monday's opening night, the second Newcastle event was staged last night, November 25th, and drew an impressive 8,000-plus.

On the same night, three further events were held: At Bentalls of Kingston, with 5,500 readers in attendance; Fenwick Canterbury, with a crowd of 4,000; and Windsor, which drew slightly over 700 regulars. In addition to this, there were more than 2,500 readers for the event on Tuesday night, November 24th at the Fenwick York store.

The queues are entertained by carol singers as they wait for the doors to open at just before 6pm, which is the signal for an exclusive three hours of Christmas shopping, with live music, and free mulled wine and mince pies.

The Daily Telegraph’s exclusive Christmas shopping evenings, first launched with the Fenwick group of stores 19 years ago, have become a tradition for thousands of readers, and there are now nine separate events, held in eight stores around the country.

A total of 40,000 readers are expected to attend the 2009 events.

Next week, on Tuesday, December 1st, the Telegraph Christmas shopping roadshow moves to the Fenwick stores in Tunbridge Wells, and Brent Cross, London, NW4.

The 2009 programme will finish at the Fenwick store in New Bond Street, London, W1, on Wednesday December 2nd.

The Telegraph Christmas shopping evenings are invitation only, and there are now only limited tickets available. The Tunbridge Wells evening, however, is completely sold out. For other stores, contact customer services or telephone: Brent Cross, NW4, 020 82028200; New Bond Street, W1, 020 7629 9161.