GAWTHORPE Hall will open its doors for the Victorian Christmas Festival next weekend.

The event will see the building decketed with real Christmas trees, holly and ivy.

The housekeeper will be on hand in the kitchen to offer fascinating insights into life at Gawthorpe Hall during this period, such as how the servants prepared the meal and what the family and house guests ate.

A plum pudding will be specially prepared by the housekeeper at the festival.

Youngsters will be able to visit 'Father Christmas' and find out what presents Victorian children would have received.

There will also be a festival trail around the hall, craft activities and writing with a quill experience.

The event will take place over Saturday, December 1 and Sunday, December 2.

Lancashire County Cllr Peter Buckley, cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "There should be something to suit people of all ages at the Christmas festival.

"I'm sure that the dining room will be a sight to see, set up as it would have been in the past.

"The housekeeper and the singers will add lots of atmosphere to the event."