BRIGHT skies and the promise of snow lent Arkell’s Christmas food and craft market the perfect seasonal air at the weekend.

The event, held at the firm’s Kingsdown base, was bustling for most of the day as families sampled the ales, visited Santa in his grotto and enjoyed the festive music from Swindon Pegasus Band.

Head brewer Alex Arkell, who was enjoying seeing some of his staff having their picture taken in a sleigh, said: “We have had probably the best year yet.”

In 2016 rain affected turnout and he went home cold and wet. “This year we’ve had blue skies and icy weather, which is perfect for a Christmas market.”

He said the brewery had decided to showcase more food this year, with more cheeses, chutneys and some hot chestnuts to warm people up.

Crafts, from garden ornaments and little household luxuries, to jewellery and toys also featured on the stalls.

The market also gave the brewery a chance to give people a sneak peek through the windows of its new shop, due to open at the end of next month.

One of the oldest still in operation, the brewery’s history will also have a place in the converted building, with photographs, artefacts and a display of old newspaper adverts dating back decades.

“We see it as an opportunity to get people onto our site and show off our lovely brewery,” said Alex.