CHRISTMAS has landed in Burnley as thousands of people took part in a winter wonderland fair.

The bad weather held off as crowds gathered at Burnley College to take part in a host of festive fun.

Youngsters got to grips with miniature car racing, as well as making different Christmas-themed crafts.

The college’s events co-ordinator Adam Walker said overall the event was received positively and that there were no negatives for the hosts.

He said: “It was an extremely good event, it did very well and we are certainly happy with how it all went.

“It just keeps getting bigger and better, last year we had around 4,500 people but this year there was more than 6,000 at the event.

“We try and do a different theme each year to make it a really friendly community event.”

The centre piece of the event was the Harry Potter-themed Hogwarts Great Hall.

Guests could enter through the gateway at platform nine and three quarters and a variety of ‘potions’ were available on the day full of magical ingredients.

Many of those attending also came dressed up as their favourite festive characters and an ice rink was on offer for people to skate around as part of the wonderland.

Toys could be made at Santa’s workshop and guests could also take a visit to Santa’s Grotto,

Youngsters took part in an interactive storytelling of Disney Pixar’s The Grinch and there was market stalls selling toys and gifts.

Refreshments and a licensed bar were also on offer for those who weren’t interested in the Christmas shopping.

Mr Walker said: “It’s a family orientated event, there was something for everybody with all that was on offer.

“We’ve had really good feedback from staff and guests, they didn’t have a bad thing to say about it.

Looking forward it’s only going to get bigger and better and “We already can’t wait for next years event.”