There was plenty of mulled wine flowing and carols as Winchester opened it famous Christmas market last night.

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Hundreds of visitors to the Winchester market - which is in its 10th year - were entertained with performances from Basingstoke Ice Skating Club Show Team and Dancing on Ice television star Vicky Ogden.

Choristers of Winchester Cathedral also took to the stage and got the masses singing with festive hymns.

Dean of Winchester Cathedral, James Atwell, said: “I always think of the Christmas market as a bit like an advent calendar and the countdown to Christmas. Tonight we can open the first door.”

Situated in the cathedral grounds, the annual event is expected to draw in 400,000 visitors in the coming month.

This year’s event features a Christmas tree in the middle of the ice-rink and will run for 34 days – the longest time in its history.

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