SCORES of people were today browsing the stalls at the Kennet & Avon Canal Winter Floating Fayre in Bradford on Avon.

The fayre began last night to coincide with the Christmas lights switch-on in Bradford on Avon and will continue today and tomorrow.

Open from 10am to 4pm, the event is now in its fourth year and features a wide range of goods made by live-aboard canal boaters.

Their spokeswoman Sarah Golding said: "Our Summer Fayre was a massive success and the Winter one is looking to be even better.

"Located in our usual site, below the lock in Bradford on Avon, we have an amazing array of traders as well as our usual busking spot featuring a wonderful variety of musical talents.

"Everyone involved, from the management team and stewards, to the traders and musicians are part of the live-aboard community on the Kennet & Avon Canal."

Starting on Friday, the event began with an evening opening from 6pm to 9pm and a festive light switch-on.

Ms Golding continued: "We have a great variety of handcrafted and home-made goods for sale.

“Regular traders such as artist Dru Marland, who will be selling her art and poetry books; silversmith Anna Berthon with her always popular bracelet-making, and The Goblyns Portal with their delightful miniature wooden doors, dragon eggs and colour-changing wands.

"The Record Deck, a floating vinyl store, is also be back after a successful first visit at our summer event. They decided to stay and join us for the festivities this winter."

Fayre favourites, The Wolf Kitchen and The Dawdling Dairy are there to keep visitors well fed and warmed.

Laura Darling, of The Wolf Kitchen, said: “I am selling vegan curries and wraps, and Mar, the ice-cream man, is selling mince pies and mulled wine.”

As always, there is a full programme of music and entertainment at the ever-popular Busking Spot, with the Whistling Treason duo playing earlier today.

Run once again by Ted and Jassy, from the band Swingletree, there will be music to suit all tastes from folk and jazz to swing.

The Legendary Towpath Singers will also be making a few appearances with their selection of traditional shanties.

Ms Golding added: "We’ve arranged plenty to keep the younger ones entertained too. Bracelet making, felting and screen-printing workshops as well as puppet shows and magic acts throughout the weekend.

"The live-aboard community are passionate about this event and what it brings to the local area.

"The Floating Fayre, along with the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon, offers a great day out and a unique shopping experience, with gift ideas all produced locally along the historic waterway."