Thousands flock to Ludlow's medieval fayre

Visitors were able to step back centuries in time with activities taking place at Ludlow Castle throughout the weekend, including jousting knights, roving jesters, puppet shows and live music.The heavens opened on Saturday but organisers carried on regardless and the castle was lit up spectacularly as darkness fell.

Two steam engines called at the town's railway station bringing guests from London and the south east.

The Yuletide Borderer arrived at Ludlow at 11.55am and left at 4.40pm while the Cathedral Express got to Ludlow about 2pm and departed just before 6.30pm.

Inside the castle, the Knights of the Plantagenet Society gave displays of jousting and fighting on both days, while jesters roamed the grounds entertaining visitors.

Many stallholders dressed up in medieval clothing, while a new hands-on history tent in the inner bailey offered the chance to find out how medieval buildings were built and also about Christmas customs in past centuries. Other activities included falconry displays, storytelling and poetry readings.

The town's Christmas lights were also switched on by Councillor Tony Pound, mayor of Ludlow, on Saturday night as part of a day of activities in Events Square organised by Ludlow Town Council, which included Santa handing out gifts to children. And the Rotary Club of Ludlow held its Tree of Light procession before the tree was switched on in Castle Gardens.

The horrendous weather put paid to hopes of beating last year's attendance of 19,000 but organisers believe they came close.