Organiser of the event, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, wants small performing arts groups for young people in the area to contact it to apply for a donation from money raised at the Christmas Late Night Shopping Party on December 4.

During the past 27 years the event has raised more than £40,000 for local causes including the Pells Pool, Lewes Library, youth sports clubs, and the Newhaven RNLI.

Kate Hook, from Lewes Chamber of Commerce, said: 'The late night shopping evening has become a popular event in the town.

'By raising funds for local groups, we want the event to have a positive impact on the community throughout the year.

'I hope that local groups will apply for support from this fund. We want to know about groups which help Lewes young people to take part in performing arts.'

The chamber has also enlisted the help of Sussex Community Foundation a local charity which helps people and companies to give to local causes they care about.

Since 2006 the foundation has given more than £650,000 to community groups on behalf of local donors.

Kevin Richmond, chief executive of Sussex Community Foundation, said: 'The Foundation is delighted to be working with Lewes Chamber of Commerce to help them to support the local community.

'This is a great example of how we can build bridges between local companies and small local groups which are desperately in need of funds, and where a small amount can make a big difference.'

To apply for a grant from the foundation or a donation from the late night shopping event, contact Kate Hook at 01273 475266 or email katehook@btinternet.com, or visit the foundation's website at www.sussexgiving.org.uk or call 01273 403980. The deadline for receiving applications for funding is October 24 2008.