THE Christmas extravaganza in Upton-upon-Severn has been hailed as a big success, despite some less-than-welcoming weather.

As the county was belted by almost non-stop rain, causing widespread flooding, crowds of people still braved the elements and headed to Upton on Saturday to show their support.

They were rewarded with a real sense of festive cheer, with Christmas craft and farmers’ markets, a children’s treasure hunt, carolling and even an outdoor ice rink on the car park in Old Street.

The event was also a first chance for many to see the town’s brand new state-ofthe- art Christmas lights as well as a towering 20 foot tree outside the Kings Head pub on the waterfront.

Upton Tourism and Trade Association, which organised the event, hopes to establish Upton’s Christmas celebration as one of the biggest and best in the county. Chairman Annette Keyworth said she was delighted with how it went.

“It would have been busier without the weather but that could not be helped and we still had a lot of people turn up,” she said.

“There was a tremendous response from the traders, who said their shops were busy all day, and all the market stall holders were very happy with how it went. We welcomed a lot of new people to Upton and the comments we’ve had have been fantastic.

“People have said that they didn’t realise just how much Upton has to offer.”