Festive delights of the past
Hundreds of visitors to Shrewsbury were taken back in time as the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine filled the air at a traditional Victorian Christmas market.
The county town's Square resembled a Dickensian scene yesterday as crowds flocked to the themed celebration of county foods and crafts. A host of stalls sold festive goods ranging from pheasant and wine to handmade gifts.
Stallholders were all dressed up in Victorian winter wear at the event, which was organised by Shropshire Enterprise Partnership (EP) and The Shropshire Star.
Late night shoppers enjoyed the market until 9pm. Entertainment was provided by street magicians and jugglers from Shrewsbury Street Theatre Club. Christmas carols rang through the air, provided by Severn FM.
A Christmas recipe for Shrewsbury Biscuits was also launched at the event.
The Shrewsbury Christmas Bite proved a big hit with shoppers. Organisers also invited cooks to submit their own recipes for other seasonal variations on the renowned biscuits, including Easter, summer, Valentines and Mothers Day.
Maggie Love, an executive of Arts Access, which organised the street entertainment, said: "The market was very well supported.
"People seemed to enjoy seeing everything there was, from pheasants hanging to Christmas pudding."
The festive spirit will continue in the town at the annual Carols in the Square event, which hundreds of people are expected to attend.
Classical girl group All Angels, who include 17-year-old Melanie Nakhla of Shrewsbury, will lead the singing on December 20.
Starting at 5.30pm, the town will come alive with festive merriment, music and songs for all the family to enjoy.
At 6pm Eric Smith, of BBC Radio Shropshire, will be broadcasting the event live and for people who don't know the words, carol sheets will be provided.
By Steve Todd