MUSIC was in the air and the streets full of people for the Colchester Christmas Market yesterday.

The annual event saw the High Street closed to traffic, as stalls sold everything from food from around the globe to tombolas and win-a-toy games.

Colchester’s mayor and mayoress, Henry and Vivien Spyvee, saw the event off to a sweet start as buns were thrown from the town hall.

Mr Spyvee said: “It was very nice, and there were all sorts of stalls.

“It brought lots of people into the town. I think Christmas markets are always popular.”

Also at the event was Derek Wray, of Colchester Ghost Tours, dressed as Lord Toppingham with his assistant, only known as Nancy.

They wandered around the market in Victorian costume wishing everyone a merry Christmas and singing traditional songs.

Mr Wray said: “We were there to wish everyone a merry Christmas, to bring a little smile and to sing Victorian songs.”

There were stalls selling sweets and clothes and wooden gifts, as well as music from the Colchester Brass Band.

Don Quinn, of Snake in the Grass, organised the event, the fifth time the market had been held.

He said: “It was raining and it was still really bus – that is the sign of a good event.

“When people turn out in the rain, you know you have done your job properly.

“I think this kind of event is what Colchester should be doing.

“In excess of 10,000 people came down the high street – we need a lot more of these.

“The businesses that are open every year tell us how their takings go up when we do this event. I want to see a three-day event next Christmas.”

The market also had a man making balloon animals and a mince pie making competition.