God bless us, every one! it's a Victorian Christmas in Hungerford

Roast chestnuts, whiskers, top hats - the town steps back in time tonight

AS THE famous Victorian author nearly said....for those who know how to keep Christmas well, it will be a Dickens of an extravaganza in Hungerford tomorrow.

On the second Friday of December for the past 19 years - this year, that's today - the renowned Victorian Extravaganza heralds the arrival of Yuletide.

Hungerford town centre is transformed into a wonderland of delights; the High Street is filled with side shows, a helter-skelter, big wheel, steam engines, fairground organs and rides. Pedestrian barriers go up, huge lorries arrive with all the equipment and shopkeepers make last-minute adjustments to seasonal window displays.

At 5pm, the official opening takes place, brass bands play and a Victorian barrel organ brings the evening to life. Punch and Judy shows, stilt walkers, clowns, jugglers and, for the children, Father Christmas, complete the scene, as the scents of roast chestnuts and mulled wine fill the air. The shops will be open with their staff in Victorian dress, and, at 7pm, the Grand Parade comes up the High Street accompanied by steam engines and street performers. The evening comes to an end as the fireworks and rockets hurtle into the air to provide a fitting finale.

The main thoroughfare will be closed to vehicles between 5pm and around 8pm, so through traffic should go via Charnham Park or Lower Denford - although these routes are unsuitable for HGVs.

The civic festivities start at 8.30am when town mayor Martin Crane will join other dignitaries on the town hall steps for a seasonal breakfast.

The extravaganza is organised by the Hungerford Chamber of Commerce with support from other organisations including the town council.