Final preparations for Shrewsbury Winter Festival

Shrewsbury Christmas will take place at the town’s Quarry Park on Saturday and Sunday.

More than 200 local food, drink and craft producers will be setting up stalls and there will be plenty of festive activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Organiser Beth Heath said: “We can’t wait. Last year’s event was a huge success and we’re looking to build on that by offering people fabulous festive goodies and great entertainment.”

The park will host a range of stalls from limited edition silver and gold contemporary jewellery and vintage inspired shabby chic gifts to alpaca accessories, tasty homemade treats and beautiful homeware.

The shopping avenues will also be packed with small regional artisans, giving people the perfect opportunity to buy local.

Mrs Heath added: “No winter festival would be complete without plenty of activities for little ones.

“The kids area will be alive with circus skills, pottery painting, storytelling and elf workshops in which kids can make everything from tree decorations to cards, tags, reindeer food, lanterns and newspaper stars.

There will also be gingerbread decoration workshops, donkeys, lambs and gorgeous alpacas making our very own Shropshire nativity.”

The event will also feature giant games and fun for youngsters, including inflatable Santa slide, table football, giant jenga, chess and more.

Mrs Heath said: “Around and outside the festival there is plenty going on too. Whether it’s a hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows in one of the cosy onsite tipis or mulled wine and carols and a huge festive sing-along in the huge marquee, the Shrewsbury Winter Festival will definitely get people in the festive spirit.”

St Chad’s has its Christmas Tree Festival at the same time with more than 40 trees decorated.