THE lights glistened like diamonds, children were in wonder as Santa arrived on his sleigh pulled by reindeer, a band played carols and Christmas tunes and traders were in the dress of medieval times.

All that was missing were flakes of snow and weather that demanded mufflers.

They two day medieval fair and Christmas lights switch on marked the start of the biggest shopping season of the year for traders in the town.

Both trees at each end of the main town square were turned on as darkness fell. The one is on the Ludlow Town Council Christmas tree and the other the Rotary Club tree giving people the chance to shine a light in memory of a loved one.

The medieval fair in the grounds of Ludlow Castle was held on Saturday and Sunday and involved more than 100 traders.

There was a chance to top up with plenty of food, warm up with mulled wine or enjoy a local brew.

Entertainment included fire juggling, walking on a bed of nails and the opportunity to meet a giant from the Plantagenet Society. Ten giants could also be seen wandering around the Castle Gardens.