I have known of the celebrated Warwick Victorian Christmas Evening for more that thirty years but last night, 30th November 2017, was the first time that my wife and I had attended one.
We were invited to join our children and grandchildren on possibly the coldest night of the year so far. It was truly bitter but even this added to the unique and distinctive atmosphere that is Warwick's Victorian Christmas Evening. Everyone was 'bundled up' as the Americans would say.
We arrived quite early, just after 5.00pm, we had arranged to meet outside the Market Hall Museum. At that stage there were not too many people walking around. I felt a little sorry for all the stall holders looking out longingly for customers. My sympathy was misplaced though because not much more than an hour later we could hardly move for people. The last time I had encountered such a crush was on leaving Villa Park football ground some years ago.
To say that the event was well supported, when the temptation to stay at home in the warmth could not have been greater, would be an understatement. But for my wife and I the greatest attraction was the Christmas Tree Festival held at the magnificent Collegiate Church of St Mary*. The festival commenced yesterday, 30th November and continues until Sunday 10th December. Various local organisations have decorated Christmas trees in themes that reflect the products they sell or the type of work that they are involved with. The imagination on display made us proud to be English. Brexit? bring it on, with talent like this surely we will cope.
* If you are interested in English history and or medieval church architecture this is a 'go to venue' but probably at a quieter time than a Christmas Tree Festival :-).
Here are a few photos which hopefully sets the scene -
We were invited to join our children and grandchildren on possibly the coldest night of the year so far. It was truly bitter but even this added to the unique and distinctive atmosphere that is Warwick's Victorian Christmas Evening. Everyone was 'bundled up' as the Americans would say.
We arrived quite early, just after 5.00pm, we had arranged to meet outside the Market Hall Museum. At that stage there were not too many people walking around. I felt a little sorry for all the stall holders looking out longingly for customers. My sympathy was misplaced though because not much more than an hour later we could hardly move for people. The last time I had encountered such a crush was on leaving Villa Park football ground some years ago.
To say that the event was well supported, when the temptation to stay at home in the warmth could not have been greater, would be an understatement. But for my wife and I the greatest attraction was the Christmas Tree Festival held at the magnificent Collegiate Church of St Mary*. The festival commenced yesterday, 30th November and continues until Sunday 10th December. Various local organisations have decorated Christmas trees in themes that reflect the products they sell or the type of work that they are involved with. The imagination on display made us proud to be English. Brexit? bring it on, with talent like this surely we will cope.
* If you are interested in English history and or medieval church architecture this is a 'go to venue' but probably at a quieter time than a Christmas Tree Festival :-).
Here are a few photos which hopefully sets the scene -
For another one of Warwick's treasures click here (warning - it may be of most interest to 'car nuts') -
Nick
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