Petersfield Shopping Village hosts Dickensian Christmas day

Petersfield Village in Gosfield hosted its first Dickensian Christmas day, taking revellers back to the 19th and 20th century celebrate the famous era of British history.

It follows on from a number of successful events staged by the shopping village this year including boot sales and car shows, with the fair also proving popular.

Owners Charles Dawson and John Potter in their Victorian get-up (Image: N/A)

Sandra Potter in Petersfield at the event (Image: N/A)

The previous historic event the village held was the two-day Tudor Fair in October.

The Victorian era ran from 1820 to 1914, and formed a major part of British history, with many stories to tell, particularly from famous author Charles Dickens.

During the event, the staff and some of the shop dealers dressed in Victorian clothes, with the village giving away mulled wine, hot chestnuts, mince pies and sausage rolls, as well as traditional candles, diffusers and room sprays.

Carols were also played throughout the day with the snow on the ground left from Essex’s cold snap added to the Dickensian atmosphere.

Snow left over at Petersfield (Image: N/A)

Tracie Dawson with some festive snacks (Image: N/A)

John Potter and Charles Dawson at one of the stalls (Image: N/A)

John Potter co-owns the village with Charles Dawson.

He said: “The extreme cold weather kept some people away however it was still a fun day enjoyed by the many people who turned up.

“On the day the village raised more than £150 for the Williams Charity and the prizes were drawn by Olivia Dawson who has WS.”

Olivia Dawson pictured on the day (Image: N/A)

Mr Potter also teased some things coming to Petersfield next year, following the village’s successful first year in business.

He said: “Next year we will be making the events bigger and better.

“We are planning weekly boot fairs from about April, depending on the weather, and also regular craft, food and drink and antique fayres.

“We will also continue to add further attractions and add more plants and decorations including hanging baskets and troughs and seating and relaxation areas.

“We would like to thank all the Petersfield shopkeepers, Petersfield Village dealers and our many visitors for all their support in our first year in Gosfield.”