Victorian festive magic at Wightwick Manor

It is like a scene straight from the cover of a Victorian Christmas card – Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton preparing to mark the festive season.

A towering Christmas tree tastefully decorated with scarlet bows and baubles stands proud next to the feature fireplace in the landmark manor's Grand Parlour, while swathes of material have been draped from the balcony.

A team of volunteers have worked around the clock to bring the sights and sounds of Christmas past to life at the manor, spending days transforming the venue into a nostalgic winter wonderland.

In total, seven trees have been fully decorated, with holly and ivy decorations carefully placed around the property.

The tallest tree is in the Great Parlour, measuring around 12ft.

John Wood, conservation and engagement manager at Wightwick, said: "We have put up traditional Victorian decorations as we do every year.

"We shy away from anything too modern. It makes the place look magical." He said the smells of Christmas were prominent around the house in Wightwick Bank, including citrus and cinnamon. "The volunteers do a fantastic job each year."

To further add to the festive feel, Father Christmas was at the house on Saturday and Sunday, and he will be returning again this weekend.

Mr Wood added: "Santa visits us every year. We always get a lot of families coming to see him."

Wightwick Manor was also hosting a sell-out festive concert today.