It can be pretty stressful doing the shopping at this time of year.

Despite claims that everyone gets their presents online these days high streets are busier than at any time of year.

To help ease the stress Croydon BID have put on a series of free events to up the entertainment levels this Christmas.

The Covent Garden Entertainment company have brought a range of different acts to the high street including a Santa robot, magicians and jugglers.

This Saturday will see acrobat and escapologist A J James entertaining the audience with daring knife juggling and balancing act.

Dace Chameleon will be putting his circus skills to the test as he balances on a three metre slack rope whilst doing tricks.

There will also be a motorised Christmas pudding driving around and some floating angels on stilts.

Matt Sims, chief executive of Croydon BID, says: “We are really pleased with how it has gone. It has put a smile on people’s faces during the festive season.

“It adds a bit of enjoyment to the shopping experience. The shoppers have really enjoyed it.

“We want to attract different age groups and we have done that. There have been pretty large crowds seeing the acts so that is great.

“We don’t want them coming to Croydon, picking up some bits and then leaving. We want them to come along, see some acts, have some lunch, and explore the town a bit.”

The Covent Garden Entertainment company, North End, Croydon, December 21, 11am to 4pm, go to www.croydonbid.com/events.