A BUSINESS trip to America by an Okehampton business owner has inspired the creation of an exciting new event designed to put Okehampton on the map. The first of six late night shopping events in the town is to launch on Friday, May 30. Taking place on the last Friday of each month from now until October, the new event will aim to unite the town's pubs and eateries, shops and residents once a month with an evening of entertainment, good food, shopping and socialising. The maiden event is being organised by David Pamment, owner of jewellers Purple Penguins, in conjunction with the Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade. While the chamber has tried to launch similar events in the past, a business trip to the United States inspired David to take a lead role in organising such an event. Mr Pamment's jewellery business wholesales some of its products to vendors and stores in America. On a business trip to Burbank, California, David was introduced to the 'Ladies Night Out'. The monthly late night shopping event encourages stall holders and shop owners to open up late at night for a shopping event with a party-like atmosphere, good food and entertainment. David said: 'The event in Burbank was absolutely amazing. 'The idea is to try and adapt that to Okehampton and create an event that really draws people to the town. Hopefully, residents of Okehampton and further afield and businesses in the town will come together on this. 'The response from businesses has been marvellous, they have all been very enthusiastic. 'If we even manage just ten percent of what has been achieved in the US, where the event in Burbank draws 10,000 people on a night, then it would be a brilliant thing for Okehampton. 'We are working hard to make it a brilliant event, having been inspired by our friends from across the pond. 'Hopefully we can make it as good as possible. We have lots of ideas for it going forward, and we have a spectacular event planned for our last event in October before the Edwardian Evening later in the year.' As well as inviting shops to stay open for the event, there will be food vendors on the street, entertainment and music, and stall holders from Okehampton Farmers' Market are also planning to take part. It is hoped that the event will not only bring the town's residents into the town centre, but also visitors from across the area. The town chamber of trade attempted to launch a similar event last year. The event was trialled in December, a week after Edwardian Evening. The evening was quiet, but food traders on the street that evening did a good trade, showing the potential of such an event should it become a regular evening in the monthly town calendar. Donna Tombs, chair of the chamber of trade, said: 'David has done a superb job so far organising this event, it is great to see a chamber member so enthusiastic about Okehampton. 'We want as many shops, restaurants, cafés and other businesses get involved and stay open late. 'Some great ideas for the next few months have been talked about, and it should be a great event. 'We need to get as much information out to people in the press, on social media, over the radio, to give the event momentum, and get people looking for it again next summer. We want it to draw people from outside of Okehampton into the town. 'Since the idea of late night shopping was first suggested a few months ago, I have kept getting people asking me about it, so there is a clear desire from people to see it happen. If any businesses want to get involved, they only need to let us know.' If you wish to get involved, call into Purple Penguins or Rockin' Beads on Red Lion Yard, or call Donna Tombs at Rockin' Beads on 01837 657614.