Life breathed into ghosts at museum's Victorian fair (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Life breathed into ghosts at museum's Victorian fair

From left, Ben Etheridge, Zachary Etheridge, Brian Furnyhough and Chris Rogers Ref: 200017-20NESTLED among the steam trains and displays, the ghosts of Swindon's Christmases past were brought to life.

Visitors to the Steam Museum at the weekend were treated to an extra special Victorian Christmas fair.

Stallholder Sharon Smith helped to organise the event.

"It went extremely well and lots of people stopped to take the time to have a look around the stalls," she said.

"Events like this are very important for Swindon and local businesses, as there is very limited opportunity for crafts like those here to promote themselves in the town.

"I wanted to give up my time to help Swindon get back to its roots and look at its history.

"That's why the museum was the perfect place to hold this Christmas fayre."

Julie Mikeli, 38, of Park South, was enjoying her first trip to the museum with her children.

"The fair is excellent," she said.

"It is something a bit different to what else is out there.

"I definitely think we need more events like this, especially at this time of year as it gives you the chance to buy unusual Christmas presents."

And even visitors who didn't stop to take in the stalls were treated to a bit of Christmas cheer as some of the models in the exhibition had tinsel draped around their hats.

The museum is looking to hold a similar event next spring.

Anyone interested in setting up a stall can phone 01793 466619.