Shrewsbury Winter Festival ready to weather elements

With 180 food, drink and craft stalls, demonstrations and tastings and free kids' entertainment the festival looks set to be a real crowd pleaser.

Tipis and marquees have been taking over the Quarry and demonstrators and stall holders have been as busy as Santa's helpers setting up in preparation for the Saturday and Sunday spectacular.

Visitors will find gifts, Christmas decorations and local, seasonal food while children will be able to make Christmas decorations, see reindeer, graffiti a Christmas stocking, watch a festive Punch and Judy show and learn circus skills in the big top tent.

And to put shoppers in the Christmas mood there will be a festival sing-a-long at 3pm each day.

There will also be a charity Festive Ale Trail and Festive Cake Trail around town which includes a mince pie and mulled wine from festival sponsor Monks, or a bowl of soup from Shrewsbury College. All money raised will go to Shrewsbury Ark.

Last year's two-day festival, which attracted over 8,000 people, raised more than £3,000 for the charity and festival organisers are hoping to raise even more this year.

More than 60 real Christmas trees will be up for auction to raise funds for the Harry Johnson Trust.

The festival layout has also been improved on last year when heavy rain and mud dampened the experience. There will now be a huge marquee and more flooring so whatever the weather those attending will be sure of staying dry.

Organiser Beth Heath said: "We are looking forward to a really great festival. Last year's weather was depressing with all the rain and we have factored that in for this year.

"Everything is under cover apart from the hot food and the forecast is looking good.

"We have more exhibitors this year, more kids activities and more food producers. I am hoping for about 10,000 to 12,000 people through the gate which would be up on last year. Despite the weather last time we still had 8,000 people visit.

"The stand-out moment for me is the sing-a-long each afternoon.

"It is a real goosebump moment and the festival will be a brilliant start to Christmas."

Adult tickets cost £6, children £1 and a family ticket is just £12, which admits two adults and up to three children.

Although the majority of activities are free there are some which charge a nominal fee.

For more details about Shrewsbury Christmas and to buy advance tickets visit www.shrewsburychristmas.co.uk.

Gates open at 10am and close on Saturday at 6pm and on Sunday at 5pm.