THE recently renovated historic Market House provided the backdrop for a successful Christmas Fayre and the ceremony to switch on of this year’s festive lights.

Local and regional artisans were among the 85 stalls selling gifts and treats, while the aroma surrounding the food stalls filled the air with a variety of delicacies. The ever-popular Beefy Boys had queues wanting to taste their burgers.

Christmas Fayre
JURASSIC: A young boy reacts to being approached by a dinosaur. (Tindle)

But it was the appearance of the dinosaurs that stole the show. Two pre-historic examples were seen walking up and down Broad Street throughout the day and had a roar-some time with visitors.

Christmas Fayre
CLOSE INSPECTION: Angus Stains with Otis, a French Bulldog, looks inside the mouth of a dinosaur. (Tindle)

The Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington and his partner Sally, also dropped in on the fayre.

Christmas Fayre
PUMPKIN KING: Jack and Sally make an appearance of the Fayre. (Tindle)

There was also live music from Ross Town Band, the Border Belles Choir and the Penyard Singers and entertainment from young singers Jodie Lauren and Noah Rawlings.

Christmas Fayre
FESTIVE CAROLS: The Border Belles mental health choir. (Tindle)

There were other Christmas themed activities with Art Studio Ross providing children with lots of craft activities while a life-sized snow globe kept youngsters entertained.

Christmas Fayre
SNOW GLOBE: The life-sized attraction proved to be very popular with children. (Tindle)

Santa’s Grotto was a popular attraction with Father Christmas being assisted by the elves from Enviroability at The Venue on Hill Street.

Christmas Fayre
SANTA’S GROTTO: Father Christmas was ably assisted by the elves from Enviroability. (Tindle)

This ceremony to switch on the town’s Christmas lights was introduced by the town crier Ray Churchill. And following a countdown, Charlie Bowden, who raised thousands for Macmillan and Tom Dudziec, a Community First Responder, joined together on a plunger to switch on the festive lights in town.

Christmas Fayre
ANTICIPATION: A large crowd gather outside the Market House in anticipation of the Christmas lights switch on. (Tindle)

Charlotte Reynolds, deputy town clerk said: “Ross-on-Wye Town Council would like to thank everyone who attended, traded and provided entertainment at this year’s Christmas Fayre.

Christmas Fayre
FESTIVE SPIRIT: For these local girls wearing Santa hats. (Tindle)

“The event continues to grow every year and it is fantastic to see it so well supported. We hope everyone who came enjoyed the day. A huge thank you to our sponsors Taylor Wimpey, Rehau, Dawleys and HCR Law.”

Christmas Fayre
FESTIVE CHARACTERS: Visitors included a gingerbread man, a snowman and a reindeer. (Tindle)

Christmas Fayre
ILLUMINATED: Broad Street is lit up with its festive lights. (Tindle)

Christmas Fayre
ENTERTAINMENT: From singer Sophie Lauren. (Tindle)

Christmas fayre
GLOWING: The main Christmas tree in Ross-on-Wye. (Tindle)