Gallery: Thousands brave the cold as Fenland comes together for Wisbech Christmas Market

THOUSANDS of people visited Wisbech yesterday as the town was brought together for the annual Christmas market.

Around 10,000 people braved the freezing conditions to enjoy a feast of entertainment and festive cheer.

Scores of community groups attended along with carol singers, clowns, bands and a group of Victorian strollers led by Queen Victoria.

Mike Chapman, markets and events manager at Fenland District Council, said: “Despite being hit by the weather for the second year running, we had another fantastic day. Even though it was absolutely freezing, we had the same sort of numbers as last year and they all had a great time.

“Some came from a really long way away. A couple of our Victorian Strollers - two ladies from Essex - even dug their car out of the snow and drove for three-and-a-half hours to be here, which was incredible.

“It was wonderful having lots of festive music to add to the atmosphere. We had a couple of people putting loudspeakers outside their shops, plus a steam engine with a pipe organ and different bands playing throughout the day.

“Now we’re already looking forward to next year. Hopefully the weather will be a bit kinder then and we’ll have an even bigger crowd.”