Newbury BID's Victorian Christmas Fayre pulls in the crowds

The lure of festive delights and the chance to step back in time brought thousands to Newbury for the town’s second annual Victorian Christmas Fayre.

The fair, reduced from last year’s three-day event to two, took place in the town centre at the weekend from 10am to 9pm on Saturday, and from 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Hundreds of stalls lined Northbrook Street, Market Place and part of Bartholomew Street, creating a lively atmosphere akin to the bustling streets of London in the 1800s.

Vendors dressed in Victorian garments, with men sporting flat caps and top hats and three-piece suits and women wearing frilly dresses and bonnets.

Of the small businesses present, some sold homemade craft gifts, others sold Christmas-themed objects and many were selling homebrew bottles of alcohol and locally-sourced produce.

Samantha Drakeford-Smith came all the way from Coventry to sell puppets with her business AS Toys.

She said: “It’s been a little bit quiet, but I think with the way the economics are at the moment, you can’t expect people to just be throwing money around. But it’s been OK.”

Market Place was home to a large merry-go-round as well as a fully-stocked bar.

There was a variety of different Victorian performers present at the fair, including a pair of women on stilts and human statues, even one of Queen Victoria.

Father Christmas had his grotto along with reindeer in Market Place as well and there was also a stage set up for live music that hosted performances over the weekend.

The event was organised by Newbury Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with LSD Promotions.

Richard Farley, Kennet Shopping centre manager, said: “There were some good Victorian trade costumes and it was a nice touch with Victorian acts.

"All three areas – Bartholomew Street North, Northbrook Street and Market Place – were all very well utilised."

Jane, from Kings Café, said: “It was heaving and we were packed and we even has to turn customers away as we had no seats.

"It was a lovely atmosphere with lots of people from outside Newbury visiting.”

Jake, from The Old Waggon and Horses, said: “What a great event for the town centre and local businesses. What a success it was.

"I'd personally like to thank the BID.”