Visitors to Stafford will be transported back to the 1800s later
this month, as a series of Dickensian Delights descend on the town
centre.
As part of the Guildhall Shopping Centre's festive celebrations,
Penny Farthing riders, Victorian Bobby stiltwalkers, and a
Dickensian Gentleman Juggler will all be demonstrating what a 19th
Century Christmas would look like.
Shoppers will be able to play games from the period, such as
Bilbo Catcher and Cup, Quoits, and Spindle Top, while children's
entertainment will be on offer in the free Dickensian arts and
crafts workshops.
Guildhall Marketing Manager Anne Graham said: "Between 11am and
4pm on 26th November, the shopping centre will become a time
machine, transporting everyone back to the Victorian era.
"We are not expecting Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley or Bob
Cratchit but there will be plenty of other entertainment on offer -
like workshops for children to create their own Victorian cards and
decorations."
It marks the start of a busy weekend for the town centre, which
will be home to the first Santa Dash a day later.
Richard Ralph is Senior Surveyor at DTZ, the managing agents for
the Guildhall Shopping Centre.
He said "Stafford Town Centre will be hosting its annual
Victorian Market on Saturday 26th November and we felt this was
another excellent opportunity for us to work in partnership with
town centre businesses to create an even bigger event.
"A Dickensian Day in the shopping centre will create a
traditional festive atmosphere that we hope our customers will
enjoy."
The Guildhall Shopping Centre was opened in June 1991 by HRH
Princess Anne, and has since attracted over 30million visitors and
created more than 1500 jobs. Current tenants include JJB Sports,
HMV and Carphone Warehouse.