IT was time for Grassington once again to put on its popular Dickensian Festival and turn the clock back to the times of Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist on Saturday .

The aim was to recreate the Victorian era and at the same time generate money for charity.

Grey, damp and overcast it may have been in Grassington, but the place still drew lots of people to mark the start of the Christmas festivities.

It was the opening of the Dickensian Festival when the town transforms itself into the Victorian era, with local folk garbed in the dress of the time and conjuring up the atmosphere of the era.

By 11am, the place was thronged with visitors, many arriving by coach to pack into the square where they were greeted with a host of fun activities and market stalls, many supporting local charities.

Throughout the day there was a line up of entertainers, buskers, chestnut sellers, all adding to the special atmosphere.

There were side shows, blazing braziers, Dickensian characters, a Punch and Judy show which transfixed adults and youngsters alike, Morris dancing from The Buttercup Bells and Penny Plain Theatre Company performing a Mummers’ play and “jiggery.”

One of the youngest among the buskers earning a coin or two was ten-year-old Genevieve Hackett, dressed in her brimmed bonnet and wide Victorian frock.

She had arrived from Bradford with her dad, fire eating, stilt walking circus entertainer Daryll.

“She has been coming with me to Grassington since she was a baby and has been asking me if she can take part for years. So here she is,” he said.

Other urchins shining shoes - and selling fudge - were brothers Matt and Chance Marsden, pupils at Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield, who were giving 20 per cent of all they raised to charity.

They joined in the festive jollity, which started with a procession led by Hebden Bridge Band and was followed by the official announcement by the Town Crier, Mr Vic, of all the fun to follow.

Tim Clarke entertained with Christmas tunes on his saxophone followed by a “sneaky experience” from a Victorian ventriloquist and, for those who wanted some indoor entertainment, there was a Christmas Tree Festival in the Congregational Church and in the Methodist Church a performance of handbell ringing.

The day drew to a close with a torchlight procession which left the Square to go round the village and community carol singing in front of the central bandstand led by Hebden Bridge Band.

In the evening, for those who wanted to stay, there was a performance of a Christmas show by Grassington Players in the town hall.

The festival also runs this Saturday and next Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Visitors are encourage to join in the atmosphere by dressing as Dickensian types.

Park and ride facilities are in operation from Threshfield Quarry and cost £10.