TOP hats were out in force as Stratford’s Victorian Christmas Market returned to the town centre.
The streets were bursting with stalls selling everything from jewellery and handmade confectionery to ceramics and winter woolens, with hot chestnuts, mulled wine, cider and even gin on hand to ward away the winter chill.
It is estimated over 123,000 visitors went along to the popular three-day event at the weekend.
Although some preferred the more lively method of dancing the night away to music from the Henley Street stage.
Meanwhile the all-important Victorian carousel and helter-skelter entertained little and big kids alike and the animatronic reindeer enjoyed a petting in their stable.
This year, the town hall was also filled with stalls hosted by local craft makers and charities to raise money for local causes.
Town mayor Kate Rolfe said: “I would like to thank everyone who visited the market, it was amazing to see so many people at the Community Craft Fair on Saturday.
“Overall, it was a wonderful three days, with smiling faces all round and everyone getting in the mood for the Christmas holidays.
“Now we are looking to the future and planning has already begun for the event to return next year. We’re all looking forward to seeing everyone again in 2020 from December 11 to 13.”
