Christmas shoppers got more than they bargained for as they walked around the streets of Chester.
Weird and wonderful characters filled the city centre streets during four days of open-air entertainment in December.
One of the more unusual acts roaming the streets was Grantarismo, which was a group of pensioners in souped-up shopping trolleys, aiming to cause havoc.
The performance was part of the DEElight Festival aimed at celebrating Christmas in the city.
Another act consisted of a family of four gorilla characters leaping about amongst members of the public as they browsed the shops. There was also Yeshe the Yak, Hippochondriac the life-size hippo and a ‘marvellous Box of Peeps and Delights’ for members of the public to peak into.
Artist Jon Hicks wowed shoppers with his live speed painting and upside-down works of pavement art, while Gandini put on some displays of juggling with a difference.
It was the first time the Christmas festival has been held in the city, but organisers say it proved such a hit, they are hoping to repeat it again next year.
Chester Festivals director Tracy Lynn said: “It was tremendous. The acts were all international street performers and the feedback on Facebook and Twitter has been great.
“It has been such a success, we hope to bring it back again next year.”
A spokesman for the council said of the event: “Think Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie in the Chocolate Factory in Chester’s answer to a classical Christmas fantasy world, where the extraordinary meets the timeless.”
The Christmas events and activities were a partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council, Chester Renaissance, Marketing Cheshire and Chester Festivals.