A THEATRE was taken back in time for a Victorian-themed Christmas market.

Hundreds of people went to Clacton’s Princes Theatre for the annual festive event last week.

Organised by Community Voluntary Services Tendring, there were special gifts and tasty treats on sale from about 30 community groups, as well as stalls from Tendring’s twin towns overseas.

Stallholders got into the Victorian Christmas spirit by dressing for the part in bustling gowns and even as chimney sweeps.

The Alton Park School Choir added to the entertainment by singing carols during the day.

Sharon Alexander, event spokeswoman, said: “It was absolutely brilliant, everybody said the standard of the stalls was really high this year.

“Father Christmas had queues of children waiting to see him.

“We estimate we had about 1,800 people there.

“We had people from our twin towns fly in from Germany, France and Poland."

The event raised more than £8,000.

“Overall it was an absolutely fantastic day and everybody really enjoyed it,” added Sharon.

“I want to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard to make it happen.”