Seasonal cheer was in abundance at the annual Victorian Christmas Fayre on Sunday dubbed the best ever.
Thousands of people from across the country descended on Melton to enjoy a slice of Dickensian Britain - and it proved so popular one coach firm is already fully booked for next year.
Organiser Ruth Wakeling said: "It was a phenomenal success, I'm chuffed to bits. The weather was really bad to start with but I was promised it wouldn't rain and by 9.10am it had stopped and we had blue skies.
"There was no particular highlight, the whole day went very well. The positive comments Melton received were great and hopefully all those people will return to see the town.
"It's also great to see other attractions grow around the fair such as the Christmas tree and crib festivals.
"I can't name everyone who helped because the list is too long but a huge thanks to Off the Beaten Path for their donation and to all the stewards. It was lots of local people helping the local community, which is how it should be."
About 40 coaches arrived from as far afield as Bournemouth and York to sample the delights on offer which included more than 100 stalls.
Every stall holder was in Victorian dress while street urchins, stilt walkers, Punch and Judy, brass bands, morris dancers and many more entertained the crowds.
And Father Christmas took a break from his busy schedule to join the parade and talk to the children,
The day proved such a success that Ruth hopes to hold a similar event in September to follow the ever popular Rare Breeds Show in the Cattle Market.
She said: "It won't be a food festival but a celebration and educational event about the countryside including hunting, farming, forestry and more."
