CHIPPING Sodbury hosted another successful Victorian Day with thousands visiting the town’s annual event.

The event took place on Friday, December 5 and the streets came to life with visitors enjoying the festivities and celebrating in the theme of the Victorian era.

The town was busy with 51 stalls offering a variety of gifts and foods, a fun fair with several rides for the children and musical performances by school choirs singing carols throughout the afternoon, including The Ridge School, Raysfield Infant School, Raysfield Junior School and St John's Mead School.

Music was also provided by The Dixie Belles, the musical trio of Charlotte Dean, Sarah Martin and Katie Salt, also known as Ruby, Pearl and Irish, who entertained all with their 1940s and 1950s styled performance.

The event was organised by the group drawn from the Chipping Sodbury Lions and Rotary Clubs, the Festival Society and various traders.

Chairman of Chipping Sodbury Lions, Juan Nuevo, said: “We’ve been setting up for the day for five years now. The Lions were setting up from about 7.30am to get the street ready. Thousands come along, it’s a really popular event.

“This year we have 51 stalls and the majority are local businesses. Lots of people are dressing up which helps as it creates a good atmosphere.”

Visitors also met Father Christmas in his grotto in the St John’s Centre on Wickwar Road between 3pm and 8pm, decorated for the festive occasion.

Tracey Veal from Future Brides, Chipping Sodbury, who helped organise the grotto, said: “It's really fun. We had Father Christmas here for the first time last year, and because it went really well we decided to do it again. All ages are coming through with their families and my Dad, Mike, is actually being Father Christmas in the grotto.

Laura Bale, from Chipping Sodbury, said: “We were the first visitors of Santa’s grotto, our one year old Isabella and Jack who will be one in January. It’s really nice for the kids to be able to meet Father Christmas and get a present early from him. It’s our first time coming to see what’s going on with the kids and there’s a lot out on the streets to do.”

Father Christmas arrived on the high street in his sleigh later in the evening, led by pipes and drums.

Visitors were offered festive treats with mulled wine, mince pies and a hog roast as well as various hot and cold foods provided by stallholders lined up and down the street.

Mayor and Chairman of Sodbury Town Council Wendy Whittle, who attended the event, said: “I’ve been to the Victorian Day for several years, and been to it for three years as Mayor.

“I was amazed at how many people were there, it was so busy and you could hardly see over the amount of people. I think everyone was really pleased with the turnout, with a lot more coming than last year.

“It was really good fun, the children were pleased with the funfair and there was just a good atmosphere in the town. Not as many people dressed up as other times but it was still beautiful and I helped judge the best dressed in the evening.”

A snow machine created a winter scene during the event held in and around the town.

Paula Grey, 36, from Chipping Sodbury, said: “I always come down with my family because it’s just a good day and there’s always a lot going on. The street looks so different and when people dress up it really does feel Victorian.”

Liz Mitchell, 44, from Wickwar, said: “I love the event and it’s great because I’ve managed to nearly finish all my Christmas shopping because the shops all open late and the stalls have some great stuff too. It’s all nice local things that make lovely presents.”