Simplicity of a Victorian Christmas to arrive in Moray

Victorian times return to Elgin this Christmas
Victorian times return to Elgin this Christmas

THE CLOCK WILL be turned back in Moray just a few days before Christmas when Elgin is transformed into a Victorian marketplace.

Lantern of the North and the tourism initiative Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere have joined forces to create unique experience for people throughout the region on Saturday, December 19.

Then Elgin town centre will come alive to the sights and sounds of Victorian times, with an open-air market surrounded by roast chestnuts, bands and youngsters enjoying traditional games such as marbles and quoits. There will also be an opportunity for them to ‘gird the cleek’ – rolling an iron hoop (the gird) furthest with the help of a metal loop (the cleek).

Jim Royan, Chair of the Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere project said: “We want to bring some of the magic of Christmas past to Elgin town centre this December and are delighted to partner up with the Lantern of the North to bring a wonderful programme of events.

“There will be something to interest everyone so please enjoy the games from Victorian times, the craft events and the atmosphere of Elgin’s historic city centre. As evening falls immerse yourself in a magical evening of Victorian style entertainment, food and drink which promises to be a feast for the senses.”

Mark Conti, Managing Director of Lantern of the North added: “From the smell and image of traditionally roasted chestnuts, to the sounds of our own locally based performers putting on their interpretations of authentic entertainment – A Very Victorian Christmas looks to provide a feast for all the senses.

“There is going to be a real buzz around the city centre with fun, exciting activities that the whole family can enjoy during the day.”

The Victorian street entertainment and activities programme will run from 11am until 4pm on the Plainstones. In the evening from 7pm St Giles Church will host a Victorian Evening beginning with welcome drinks, Treebadour Marionettes and Victorian ‘Tastes and Drinks’.

Full details of all events are available at www.lotn.co.uk or Facebook at www.facebook.com/lanternofnorth.