THE Grassington Festival Committee has devised a brand new format to celebrate the 100th weekend that opens the 2016 Dickensian Festival.

The Dickensian Festival will now take place over the first two weekends of December with Christmas markets and entertainment on both the Saturday and the Sunday.

In previous years, the festival ran over the first three Saturdays of December.

Jackie Sugden, a member of Grassington Dickensian Committee, said: "We have held a Dickensian Festival in Grassington for over 30 years but now, with so many other Christmas markets being held around Yorkshire, we have decided we need to offer something slightly different - much more of a festival with entertainment, events and fun activities for all the family.

"So, as well as the Christmas market stalls and all the unique independently-owned shops bursting with gift ideas we have devised a full programme of events to celebrate the 'magic' of a traditional Dickensian Christmas."

On December 3, 4, 10 and 11, Grassington will go back in time and be transformed into a bygone era with full Victorian dress and the festive glow of open braziers.

Additionally, there will be a new midweek programme of activities which include Dickensian dinners, quizzes and even a Dickensian wine tasting with tasty morsels.

There will be a Christmas tree festival, Christmas wreath and floral workshops and performances by the Grassington Players, Grassington Singers and Penny Plain Theatre Group plus live bands in the pubs.

The festival welcome author John Eames, who has written a short book for children called The Boy With Four Hats.

John has dedicated his book to the festival and will be selling signed copies with personalised messages.

As well as the market stalls, the independently-owned shops for which Grassington is renowned will be selling all sorts of Christmas gifts.

The shops will be open for late night shopping on Thursday, December 8, and there will be a full Nativity play in The Square performed by local children.

There is a full entertainment programme over both weekends, with bands, buskers, games, Punch and Judy, magic shows, dancing and Victorian street entertainers.

For the children, there will be a chance to meet Santa in his grotto and to take part in a torch-lit Nativity procession followed by carols and Christmas music.

There will also be plenty of homemade food served by the pubs, cafés, hotels and outdoor stalls.

Jackie added: "Having run for over 30 years this Dickensian Festival has something unique and special. It's well worth visiting at this magical time of year, both as a returning guest or new visitor, as it offers a little twist of the Oliver kind!

"So come along and join in a fabulous family day out in the Yorkshire Dales and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Christmas past. With wafting smells of mulled wine and ‘...chestnuts roasting on an open fire’...even Scrooge couldn’t fail to be impressed!"

For further details visit grassingtondickensian.co.uk