THOUSANDS out in force over the weekend to enjoy the annual two day Usk Winter Festival.

The event that has become a mainstay of the winter calendar featured the biggest Christmas market ever held in the towns Twyn Square.

Amongst the many highlights on the Saturday was the visit of two special guests, music performer and Eastenders star David Essex, and TV chef Matt Tebbutt.

Matt led the countdown for the lighting ceremony and pushed the button that lit the spectacular tree at the entrance of the Square. Matt returned on Sunday lured by the chance to cook up a storm on the Taste of Persia charcoal barbecue. A large crowd gathered outside the towns Gallery in the Square as owner David Sansom welcomed David Essex as special guest to an exhibition featuring artist Goff Danter. Goff, a member of the iconic Danter funfair family was presenting a collection of fairground artwork, and Essex, currently touring in the hit musical All the fun of the Fair was delighted to see it.

David Essex said the work "Captured the atmosphere, the sights and sounds, the real heart of the fairground," and added a few of Goff's paintings to his own personal collection.

The Christmas market had something for everyone, and traders reported a brisk trade on both days, and local people took the opportunity to stock up on lovely goodies for Christmas, highest quality food and produce and unusual gifts.

Gaynor Lewis of Fashioned in Glass said it was her first time in Usk and she "thoroughly enjoyed the event which was very well organised" and the event staff " were very helpful and welcoming."

The crowds were entertained by an eclectic mix of traditional and modern music, whilst Brazilian guitarist Fernando Aguero set a festive tone in the Gallery in the Square.

The event was rounded off as usual by a visit from Santa and his reindeer accompanied by marching bands, and the crowds departing from the Square at what many visitors heralded "the best event yet" were definitely feeling full of festive cheer.