WITH mulled wine flowing and carollers in full song, Winchester opened its famous Christmas market for the tenth time.

The festive season is now officially upon us and the Christmas Capital did little in the way to let us forget.

Basingstoke ice skating club show team performed for the crowds along with the Dancing on Ice television star Vicky Ogden.

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

The Dean of Winchester Cathedral, James Atwell, said he was excited that the market is back for another year. He added: "I always think of the Christmas market as a bit like an advent calender and the countdown to Christmas. Tonight we can now open the first door."

Situated in the famous cathedral grounds, the annual event is expecting to draw in crowds of 400,000 visitors over the coming month.

This year's event will feature a Christmas tree in the middle of the ice-rink and see it run for 34 days, making it the longest in its ten year history.

Mary Johnson, 54, of Stanmore Lane, Winchester attended the event with daughter Megan, 13, and son Thomas, six. She has attended the market every year for the past seven and thinks it is what makes Christmas, Christmas. She added: "It is such a special occasion and the kids love it. We buy most of our presents here and the atmosphere is always fantastic."

Another new addition this year is the Ice Cafe, which will be manned by Hampshire company Hamble Valley Catering. "It is something we have not had before and are very proud to have," said head of marketing and communications, Charlotte Barnaville, who has been at the cathedral for 11 years.

She added: "This year we have made some really positive advances, mainly with the food we will have on offer.

"Our traders are just brilliant and 25per cent of the stalls this year will be new people."

"I was one of the founding members of the market and we had to take turns stewarding and helping with the stall. It is amazing how far it has come in the last decade."

• If you are on a mobile device, turn your phone horizontally when looking at the photo gallery to get the most out of the images.