THE starting gun was fired in spectacular fashion on Christmas in Ludlow.

It was a step back in time when the traditional medieval festival hit town as has been the tradition on the last Saturday in November.

Some traders got into the spirit of things by dressing as they might have done in previous centuries.

Santa was also in town and, as nightfall set in, the town’s Christmas lights and the Ludlow Rotary Club Tree of light was also illuminated.

Next on the menu will be the first of three special Tinsel Tuesday markets in the town next week (December 6).

The markets, which have become an established feature, are intended to help to boost business at what for many traders is a make-or-break time of the year.

Ludlow Chamber of Trade say that, despite Ludlow being a year-round tourist town, it is the weeks before Christmas that often make all of the difference.

“The fact remains that, for many shops, we are approaching the most important few weeks of the year,” said Tish Dockerty, secretary of Ludlow Chamber of Trade.

It is hoped that people will decide to do as much of their gift buying as possible locally.

While in some cases shoppers may pay a bit more, traders stress the benefit of avoiding expensive and inconvenient travel to other towns and cities in the region.

Shropshire Council has agreed to support the Tinsel Tuesdays with a concession on parking charges.

There will be 18 hours of free parking in all of Ludlow’s main car parks on the days of the Tinsel Tuesday markets.

From midday on all three Tuesdays there’s no need to put any money in the machines (not including street parking). The markets offer handmade art, craft and local food items which are suitable for Christmas presents as well as hot seasonal food and drink.

There will be live music with Merrie Noyse who this year will be Victorian themed and singing classic Christmas Carols. The duo will welcome local school choirs who all join in with the festive fun around the Christmas tree in Castle Square.