SHOPPERS in Witham took a step back in time when a Dickensian event came to town.
The traditional market town was transformed into a haven of 19th-century merriment as clog dancers took to the streets and local stall holders sold their wares.
Sandra Howell of the Witham Christmas Lights Working Party helped organise the event held last weekend.
"Saturday, I have to say, was brilliant," she said. "All the worrying leading up to it – will it come together? Will people support it? – was unnecessary."
The event was brought to the town after residents like Sandra grew fed up of people complaining that nothing ever happens in Witham.
"I put a letter in your paper last week saying that I wished people would stop whinging about what isn't going on in Witham.
"Well, it must have worked because they came in their droves."
The mayor, Michael Lager, turned out in fancy dress and a brass band and the Witham Big Sing also provided entertainment for passers-by.
Not only was it a success for the shoppers, who were excited to see something different in their town, but it was a success for the stall- holders and the business owners.
"I went to every stallholder and they all told me that they made money and that it was worth their while and the shop keepers told me their business was up," said Sandra. "The whole purpose was not to put people in competition."
Local butchers Holts of Witham, also held a barbeque in the shop on Newland Street and by 3pm had completely sold out of sausages.
"It couldn't have gone better," said Sandra. "And the sun shone – that was what really made it. We certainly wouldn't have had the numbers if it were held on Friday. It just shows that nature can't be pushed in any way."
