IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The temperature's dropping and it's getting dark earlier but there are plenty of events coming up which will help get us into the festive spirit.

 

InSwindon BID have kicked things off by organising a Christmas market at the crossroads of The Parade, Canal Walk, Bridge Street, and Regent Street.

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Traders have been selling their wares under the newly-switched on twinkling Christmas lights since Thursday. Today is your last chance to stop by the Cotswold Market stalls - but what can you expect?

Well, I popped into town as the sun set on Saturday to see what was on offer and hopefully pick up a few presents.

Swindon Advertiser: Christmas lights in the town centreChristmas lights in the town centre (Image: Newsquest)

There was an impressive variety on sale - plants, hoodies, blankets, candles and scents, creams, clothes, hats, and plenty of festive decorations.

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Swindon Advertiser:

The food stalls far outnumbered the gift ones - you can buy cakes, chocolate, chilli, licorice, pizza, churros, chimney cake, honey, oil, meats, fruit and veg, cocktails, hot sauce, brownies, Italian street food, cheese, halloumi, pancakes, gin, and even moonshine.

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Swindon Advertiser:
I looped around the four prongs of stalls pointing outwards from the Fountain several times, enjoying the atmosphere and mulling over what to buy.

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I can't remember the last time I've seen the town centre so busy, and there was still enough space to pause and browse at each stall for a bit without feeling like you're in the way.

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After a brief detour to gaze in wonder at the huge Christmas tree set up outside Tesco, I heard carollers belting out one of my favourite Christmas pop songs, I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday.

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This, along with the darkening sky which made the lights really stand out and cast a warm glow over the pedestrianised street, made me feel Christmassy for the first time this year.

I picked up a hand-crafted reindeer bauble and other little decorations for my Christmas tree, and some flavoured gin for my mum.

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Today, I'm going back for the food - and so can you!

It'll be open until 5pm, along with a smaller craft market inside Swindon Hub until 2pm.

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Singers from the Vocal Works Gospel Choir will be on The Parade from 12pm to 3pm.

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Swindon Stilt Walkers will be on the lookout for you to grab a fun festive Elfie Selfie from 12pm to 2.30pm.

Pick up a trail map in the Town Centre or download a copy at www.swindontowncentre.co.uk/

Plus, parking is free all day in town centre car parks.

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