Winter wonderland at Melford Olde Christmas

With snow machines, reindeer and donkeys, Father Christmas... And a unicorn, you could have mistaken Long Melford for Lapland this weekend.

The village held its second Melford Olde Christmas, with stalls and entertainment lining the main road through the village and businesses opening their doors and even venturing outside into the sunshine for the now annual event.

Organised by the Melford Olde Christmas committee, member Emma Butler Smith, described the event as ‘absolutely amazing’.

Despite being held on the same weekend as several other festive events she said there was a small increase in visitor numbers, with even more attractions available for all the family to enjoy.

“This year we had great weather which was fantastic. It didn’t really feel like Christmas as it was so sunny.”

Once again the reindeer and the donkeys proved extremely popular with the children, as well as a visit to Santa, while much of the village was turned white by the snow and bubble machines.

Set up as a community event, in part to support businesses in the village, this year the village primary school also held their festive bazaar on Sunday.

The day ended with a lantern parade to the Little Green where the Christmas tree lights were switched on to the sound of carols.

The committee hopes to run the fair annually but with just six people organising the event it is looking for more members.

You can get involved by emailing emma@themagicfairy.com.