THERE will be two new faces at Ludlow Castle this weekend to greet visitors to the start of the Christmas festivities in the town.

Meet Brother Sid, described as "the merry giant medieval monk", and Bagshot, the "master of magic and illusion".

They are among the new attractions at the sixth Medieval Christmas Fair to be held in and around the castle.

Organiser Pru Dakin hopes to at least match if not beat last year's crowds of 10,500, the equivalent of the entire population of Ludlow.

St Nicholas, who has particular associations with the festive season, will be in his den at the castle.

Medieval costumes will be the dress code for the makers of handcrafted goods, historical items and food which will be on sale.

The fair is collaborating with the Assembly Rooms to help children learn about heraldry by designing and painting their own family shields.

During the weekend there will be music and merriment from a number of medieval specialists.

Saturday evening will be carol time, with "quires, customs and carousing" at a special Christmas Court.

There will be other suitable events, with a special artisan-brewed medieval beer at the Marches Little Beer Shoppe in Old Street.

A Christmas market will fill Ludlow Methodist Church, in Broad Street, on Saturday.

Castle Square will be the venue for a Sunday medieval market and there will be a Christmas fair, at 2pm, in St Peter's Church, Henley Road.

St Laurence's, Church will also be busy, as a round-the-clock Bible reading to raise cash for planned improvements reaches its final stages.

The tower, with its eye-catching views of Ludlow and the surrounding countryside, will be open at 1.45pm and 3.45pm on Sunday.

Park and ride will be available from McCartney's and Ludlow School.

For tickets and more details, ring 01584 875053.