Pictures: Rain fails to dampen the spirits as Ludlow's medieval fair kicks off festive season
The weather may have been wet and miserable – but it didn't put people off as scores poured into Ludlow for the town's Christmas lights switch-on and medieval fair.
Among the highlights were Santa in his grotto, reindeer, music and carols from local choirs and a torch-lit procession to the Ludlow Rotary tree of light.
And in the grounds of Ludlow Castle, the medieval fair was held on Saturday and Sunday with more than 100 stalls and a theatre-style production of the nativity.
The switch was flicked at 5pm on Saturday by mayor Councillor Paul Draper to light up the town.
Councillor Draper said: "The weather was very miserable, it was cold and wet on the Saturday. But to the credit of people, it didn't seem to affect the turnout.
"The town was still very busy for the medieval fair and a lot of people hung around to see the switch-on of the Christmas lights.
"All in all it was a very good day and signalled the start of the festive period in the town."
Ludlow Town Council and Sunshine Radio hosted the lights switch-on event, with Santa in his grotto from 2pm to 4pm, music from local choirs and Ludlow Concert Band and a torch-lit procession to the tree of light.
Paul Saunders, artistic director of the fair, said he was particularly excited this year to bring the specially commissioned nativity performance to the programme.
Jointly written and produced by West Midlands playwright Peter Cann and himself, it was performed by The Mysterious Crew.
He said: "It seemed right to bring the Saturday night celebrations to a close with the story of what Christmas is all about regardless of religion – the universal story that new birth brings new hope, a season of new life and renewal.
"The atmosphere at Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre is unique. The whole castle bustles with activity, traders and entertainers of all varieties."
