CHIPPING Sodbury is to take a step back in time for the medieval town's annual Victorian Day.

Hundreds of people are expected to turn out on to the town's High Street on Friday to savour the delights of early 20th century Britain.

The relaunched event promises to return to its traditional roots this year, with many features including fairground rides and fancy dress competitions.

It had been cancelled last year after organisers and traders fell out over the growing similarity between the event and the town's biannual mop fair.

David Ship, of the town's festival committee, said he was optimistic traders and people in the town would support the Victorian theme.

He said: "We hope lots of people will get involved in the day to help support the traditional atmosphere.

"We as an organising committee have done all we can to bring the event back to its traditional roots.

"It will be a smaller but more family-based event we hope everyone in the town will enjoy."

Shops in the town are to be decked with traditional festive trimming while two fairground rides - a Ferris wheel and a Helter Skelter - are to be put up.

There will also be children's entertainment, a farmers' market and a visit from Father Christmas.

People are being encouraged to dress up for the day in line with the Victorian theme.

Town costume shop Sweets and Eats owner Andy Braun said: "We have hired out a lot of Victorian costumes out already.

"We look forward to seeing them all on the day."

For full schedule of the events see tomorrow's Gazette.