Stratford-upon-Avon's Victorian Christmas Market

Stratford-upon-Avon's Victorian Christmas Market is returning for its fourth year - and will now be extended to four days of festivities.

The award-winning annual event will once again be taking place in Stratford's town centre with an extra day of festive celebrations added to proceedings following 2019's successful event.

The yuletide market will now take place on 10 - 13 December, and will see around 300 stalls for Christmas shopping, along with entertainment and a traditional funfair including a carousel.

Over 123,000 visitors are estimated to have flocked to the popular tourist destination for last year's markets, making it the most successful Victorian Market yet.

The popularity for the event has grown year-on-year, with 58,000 visitors attending the first event in 2017.

The market sees traders in traditional Victorian outfits with stalls offering everything from original artwork, handmade decorations and jewellery, and award-winning food and drink.

Sarah Summers, Town Clerk for Stratford-upon-Avon Town Council, said: "Last year's Victorian Markets were our most successful yet, with an incredible number of visitors coming to enjoy the festivities.

"Following the feedback we received, the Town and District Councils Market Forum has decided to extend the markets so that everyone can enjoy four full days of festive entertainment and Christmas shopping with our local traders.

"We're looking forward to welcoming people of all ages back to another special long weekend of festivities!"

Cllr Ian Shenton, Operations Portfolio Holder at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, added: "The increasing success of the Christmas Victorian Markets has seen over 123,000 visitors head to Stratford for 2019's event, which is a wonderful achievement.

"Each year, this is a key event for bringing visitors to the region and the economic impact is significant for the area, which is why we have decided to extend the celebrations by an extra day to encourage more visitors to attend and to provide an extra day of festivities.

"We're hoping that this year's markets will be even more of a success than last year with the positive feedback we've received."