The first of 2005's Victorian Evenings saw thousands of shoppers and visitors fill Maldon High Street.

Turning back the years to bring Christmas past to Maldon - Maureen Chapman, Maureen Coates, Michelle Coates and Gail Scurry, of the town's Farleigh Hospice shop, left, dress up in period costume for the annual Victorian Evening. (46579-1)

Crowds of people filled the street within minutes of the event beginning - and the throng was just as heavy as the evening drew to a close.

The popular shopping evening featured music, morris dancers, organ grinders and numerous food stands.

Many members of the crowd took the opportunity to stock up on some extra special Christmas gifts from one or two of Maldon's array of shops.

Traders and visitors alike got into the swing of things by dressing in traditional Victorian costumes.

But one of the most significant visitors of them all had to be Queen Victoria, who rolled up into High Street in a vintage car, to be met by mayor Tony Shrimpton and other town councillors.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Friday, December 2, 2005

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