All the fun of a festive Victorian fair

Thousands of adults and children donned hats and gloves to join in the excitement on the packed streets last Thursday.

On a stage in Market Place, presenters from BBC Coventry and Warwickshire introduced not only the amazing panto performers but some dazzling can-can dancers, each claiming to be wearing three pairs of frilly knickers to keep warm.

Town crier Graham Sutherland led members of St Mary’s Choir in a lantern procession from the church to the square followed by mayor Elizabeth Higgins and Santa Claus himself, who earlier greeted excited youngsters like six-year-old Amber Lappin, her little brother James and four-year-old Millie Kelsall, her friend from Emscote Infants School.

Sadly the promised snow machine turning the Old Square into a winter wonderland did not materialise.

Organisers say they couldn’t arrange the display in time this year but are determined to have it up and running next year.

New shopkeeper Charlie Collett was in his renamed Wylie’s hardware store offering cake and wine to all his supporters while Diane Maybey was outside promoting her Little Shop of Art in the Wylie’s passageway.

Members of the Plum Jerkin Morris side was among the street performers watched by senior citizens David and Fiona Arnold, who live in the middle of town and every year enter into the spirit of the occasion in Victorian costumes.

Round the corner in Swan Street, roasting a pig was a whole family affair for David and Sandra Payne, their son Grant and friend Amy Harrison, who served a long queue of customers.

l Puss in Boots can be seen at the Bridge House Theatre from December 20 until January 1.