Hundreds of people flocked to We Love Marlborough’s Christmas Art Market and Santa’s Grotto on Thursday to shop, meet Father Christmas and have arty fun.
The not-for-profit arts organisation hosted a day and evening of events on two floors of the Town Hall, to coincide with the switching on of the Christmas Lights.
Louisa Davison, from We Love Marlborough, said: “We are throughly exhausted but really pleased with how many people came to see Santa, see the stalls and take part in the art activities.”
Upstairs, Santa – accompanied by the Sleigh Belles – met over 100 children, some of whom brought him small gifts, pictures and hand-written letters.
On We Love Marlborough’s Facebook page mum Lucy Brenk said: “Santa was worth the wait when we finally met him. Very good with the children,” while Jim Nicolson praised the “great atmosphere.”
And while parents faced long queues at times, children were entertained by a host of activities including face painting, Christmas crafts and the production of a huge Christmas mural, featuring Santa on his sleigh and measuring over four metres by three metres.
Meanwhile downstairs, 13 craftsmen and artists from across Wiltshire – including woodturners, jewellery makers, fine artists and potters – offered visitors the opportunity to buy beautiful handcrafted gifts.
Stall holders enjoyed themselves as much as the shoppers. Victoria Mellor, from Usborne Books, said: “Many thanks to We Love Marlborough team! It was a good event with lots of people bustling around. Look forward to next year.”
And Amanda Horner from Ramsbury Tea Co said: “Thanks for a great market last night; we met some wonderful people and talked a lot of tea!”
