THOUSANDS of people will descend on Wisbech on Monday for the town’s annual Christmas market which is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Last year’s market was visited by as many as 10,000 people, despite four inches of snowfall, and organisers are expecting a similar turnout this year. As many as 150 stalls in the town centre will offer festive treats, gift ideas and crafts.

This year’s market will be officially opened at 10am by the Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Nick Meekins.

The market place will be the main hive of activity with live music, fairground rides, street entertainers and stalls.

Wisbech Institute holds a children’s Christmas club for children aged three to 12, Wisbech Library holds family festive crafts from 10.30am-noon (50p per person) and Wisbech Museum is telling Fenland stories from 10am-4pm.

Santa visits the Horsefair Shopping Centre, where there will also be a static falconry display and Victorian cycle club, and a photographic display is held at the Tourist Information Centre.

Norfolk Street will be packed with stalls, clowns and carol singers and at Wisbech Castle there is an art exhibition and stalls. A craft fair also takes place at St Peter’s Church Hall.

The market, one of the Fenland Four Seasons events, is organised by Fenland District Council, Wisbech Town Council and numerous trade and community organisations including the Horsefair Shopping Centre, Wisbech Lions Club, Norfolk Street Traders Association, Wisbech Chamber of Commerce, Wisbech Rotary Club and Fenland Arts Association.

A free park and ride service is again in operation for the market. A continuous shuttle service will run every 15 minutes from Elm Road bus stop, next to the B&Q car park, to Horsefair Bus Station. The first bus leaves Elm Road at 9am and the last bus leaves the Horsefair at 4.30pm.