A VICTORIAN Christmas celebration at the Lion Salt Works museum has been hailed a sparkling success.

The traditional festive celebrations, which ran from Tuesday to Sunday, featured a market, the Rivendell Choir, bellringing, miniature steam engines, craft activities, and a visit from Father Christmas and his reindeer.

The free event was staged by the museum and Marston resident Iain Stead, a professional music organiser.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, said: “This sparkling Victorian Christmas Market was a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season without breaking the bank.

"I am very grateful to all the organisers, staff, volunteers and people who donated their time and energy into bringing together all the elements that made this Christmas event so special and magical.”

Visitors came from across Cheshire to enjoy a different spin on the festive season.

Rosalyn Orme, who travelled from Helsby with husband Andrew and daughters, Cecilia, 4, and Luciana, 2, said: “This is Cecilia’s favourite place – she loves it and so coming today with the chance to do craft activities, see Father Christmas and the reindeer, plus enjoy the singing, was just great.

"It has just been the very nicest afternoon and the best Christmas thing we’ve done.”

Louise Page from Middlewich took advantage of the historic miniature train rides with her sons Jack, 3, and six-month-old Liam, said: “We come to the Museum’s pre-school Little Lions group, which is really great, so we were excited to see what they did for Christmas.

"It has been a lovely event with lots to do and it was nice that much of it was free or just donations. The choir was very good and really got us in the festive spirit.”

Carl Blackburn from Northwich brought his one-year-old daughter Ada to visit the grotto. He said: “There has been lots to see and do. We’ve visited Father Christmas in his grotto, fed the reindeer and have had hot chocolate. It has been good fun.”

Cally Buso from Middlewich, who was there with her four sons, said: “The boys have thoroughly enjoyed their visit, especially seeing Father Christmas and going on the train.”

The Lion Salt Works features not only the large museum but a café, butterfly garden and play area.

Located next to the Trent and Mersey Canal, the grade II-listed, Scheduled Ancient Monument museum welcomes many visitors who tie up at its moorings.