THE Totally Locally Addingham Christmas Market took place on Saturday alongside the switching on of the village lights organised by Addingham Parish Council.

A large crowd flocked to visit the independent stalls and businesses who packed into The Swan car park. “We booked in more stalls than ever this year,” said Sarah Mayo, one of the organisers. "With many new stallholders taking part for the first time and it was just wonderful to see so many different thriving businesses here.”

The village came out in full force to support the event and the atmosphere was amazing with children visiting Santa while their parents browsed the stalls, drunk mulled wine and celebrated the beginning of the festive period.

A popular addition to the market this year was the presence of two very uncharitable and grumpy visitors in the form of The Grinch and Scrooge who greeted shoppers as they entered the market area. The weather was stunning and the village lights were switched on by Yorkshire Triathelete Gordon Benson, Addingham Gala Queen Tilly Harrison-Moore and Young Carer of the Year Rosey Naylor.

The Totally Locally raffle raised £400 which is being donated to the Alzheimer’s Society as part of the Dementia Friendly Initiative that the Totally Locally group is supporting within the village. Jon Shaw from the society was present at the market raising awareness and providing information to members of the public and a presentation will be made to him in the next few weeks. A massive thank you to the many village businesses who so generously gave prizes to support this worthwhile cause.

Finally, a special mention must go to the various groups and organisations who support this event and whose funding this year made it possible to buy two large marquee tents for the craft stalls; Addingham Parish Council, Addingham Civic Society, Addingham Scout Group and Totally Locally Addingham themselves. “It is wonderful to see so many village groups working together to create this community event, “ added Sarah, “and we are so grateful to them for their generosity and to the many helpers who come out on the day to set up – without them all this event would not be the success it has become.”