UTTOXETER'S Christmas light switch-on is set for an exciting new twist next month as the town goes back in time to host a festive Victorian market.
A Victorian Christmas Market will take over the town centre on Friday, November 30, following on from the traditional light switch-on at 5pm.
Townsfolk will be able to travel back more than 100 years to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a recreated Victorian town market.
The town will be lit up in typically splendid fashion, Santa and his reindeer will be paying a visit, shopkeepers and stallholders will be in Victorian dress, children will enjoy sleigh rides as well as much more.
Helen Davies, who runs Helen Louise in Carter Street and is chairman of the Uttoxeter Trade Forum, told the Advertiser the event will offer people a chance to start their Christmas shopping as the majority of shops will remain open until 8pm, along with lots of market stalls selling locally handmade crafts and produce.
She said: “It has been discussed for a while about having a Victorian market in Uttoxeter as we are a market town and it would be in keeping with the town itself.
“Apparently there used to be one years and years ago and the consensus was it would be quite nice to do it again.
“It is primarily to promote our town and its businesses and any local businesses around that perhaps work from home can come and have a stall and people can come and find out about what is on offer around the area.
“It will be a nice evening for families to come down locally rather than having to travel out and there will be a very festive atmosphere with crafts, hog roasts and mulled wine.” Uttoxeter Town Council is supporting the event and town mayor Councillor Martin Blencowe (pictured) said it was a great way to keep people in the town following the switching-on of the festive lights.
He said: “The town council has to thank Helen Davies for her fantastic efforts as she is trying to run a business at the same time as doing a great deal for the high street and market place and the business community in Uttoxeter.
“It is always a bit disappointing after the Christmas lights switch-on that people tend to drift away so it will be good to have something to keep them in town afterwards.
“It will follow on nicely from the previous specialist market efforts we have had that proved tremendously successful.”
