An estimated seven thousand people enjoyed the entertainment, stalls and festive cheer of Olney's “Dickens of a Christmas" - held every year on the first Sunday of December.
There was even some winter sun as people streamed into the town.
The unique feel to the festivities was there, with plenty of Dickensian dresses, caps and top hats in evidence.
The town was chock full of stalls in the Market Place, High Street and Farmers Market. There were also indoor craft fairs at The Bull, Olney Centre and Carlton House Club.
Entertainers, including a Dickensian lady on stilts and the Great Gappo, were out on the streets. Santa's grotto and horse and carriage rides also proved popular.
The Mayor of Olney, Mike Hughes, who led the oganisation of the event said "Once again people showed their support for Dickens, and everything has gone to plan. New visitors told me they were blown away that there's such an amazing event right here in Olney." For the Mayor's 'thank you' letter to those involved in Dickens please see next page.
Thousands of pounds was raised for various local charities, with the pre-school, the Olney-Newton Link and the Scouts among the many to benefit because of the hard work of volunteers.
'Dickens' also attracted Christmas shoppers to the many independent shops and boutiques, cafes and restaurants in Olney and provided a boost for traders of the regular market and farmers market.
