Bumper crowds turned out in bright sunshine to witness the first of Tenbury Wells’s world-famous mistletoe auctions.

Dubbed the mistletoe capital of England, Tenbury Wells, which is near the south Shropshire border, kicked off its winter celebrations for the plant that put the town on the British mistletoe map with its first sale of mistletoe and holly yesterday, attracting large scale, national trade.

Buyers from across England and Ireland have traditionally flocked to the sales which were previously held in the town’s livestock market.

This year the auctions continue at the new location at Brimfield near the town.

Tenbury Wells has a long association with mistletoe, which grows in the many orchards locally.

The town has hosted annual auctions of the plant for many years, with bidders from big supermarkets, hotels and florists among those who are keen to buy.

Leading mistletoe expert Jonathan Briggs said: “Mistletoe is part of our oldest yuletide tradition stretching back to the pre-Christian era of winter solstice celebrations.

“The kissing custom is a very British variant of the peace, good luck and fertility mistletoe customs seen elsewhere in Europe.”

Auctioneer Nick Champion said a number of early buyers came along to the first sale.

He said: “It was a bit of a struggle because it was a little bit early for the mistletoe although there was plenty of holly about.

“I think next week will be the main week because it is a long time until Christmas yet.”

The next two auctions are due to take place on December 2 and 9.

By Sophie Bignall