Victorian fair fun with a twist!

THAT’S magic! Festive Foxley, performed tricks for the shoppers and Madison Taylor, aged six, gets a lift on his bike

A VICTORIAN Christmas with a punk twist brought a festive feast of entertainment to Christmas shoppers in Oldham town centre at the weekend.

Visitors of all ages marvelled at the side shows, stalls and seasonal merriment of the Victorian Steampunk Saturday outside the Spindles shopping centre.

Shoppers took a break from bargain hunting to watch a trick or two from Festive Foxley on his brightly-lit penny farthing bike. Thrilled families enjoyed a horn-honking, propeller spinning ride up and down Market Street on the pedal-powered Flycycle Delivery Service.

And the brave and bold learned all about bizarre Victorian oddities, including the Marcus Island Mermaid and Laurence the Trained Arabian Fighting Flea, from Professor Rocco and his Palace of Curiosities.

Owl mascots Ollie and Millie waved and hugged shoppers while traditional Christmas songs from the Tame Valley Brass Ensemble and the mechanical Miricki Dean Organ added to the festive feel.

Sara Hewitt, town centre manager, said: “This is the fourth Victorian Christmas event in Oldham town centre but this time its a bit different because of the Steampunk element.

“Young steampunkers from across Greater Manchester have been contacting us wanting to get involved in next year’s event already!”