WHETHER it's the illuminated Guildhall as a backdrop for the Christmas Market or Twilight Tours at the cathedral, I think Salisbury is at its best at this time of year.

The festive season showcases our city in the best way, and the great thing for it/us is that it continues for a whole month, including the forthcoming torchlight procession on the 19th.

Visitors to last year’s market spent £4.6 million in shops, cafes, pubs, hotels, restaurants and other local businesses, which was £1 million up on the previous year.

It would be great if this year was as much of a boost to our local economy.

There's truly a lot to do in Salisbury over the festive season, with a Tropical Christmas Party at the arts centre tonight and Hoodwink's Christmas Party on Saturday, Mother Goose at The Playhouse until January 10, and an eclectic mix on offer at the City Hall, which includes a DJ set from Specials frontman Terry Hall, and Stars of Salisbury cabaret night raising money for local charities.

Meanwhile the Tourist Information Centre are offering walking tours – Salisbury highlights on Boxing Day and a ghost walk on December 27. A Father Christmas grotto has appeared as if by magic in the Fisherton Mill courtyard, and local businesses have teamed up to offer one lucky winner £1,500-worth of goodies including jewellery from Amali Joules, homewares from Casa Fina and Pure Comfort, vouchers for Jas and Chas H Baker, a Well Natural hamper and afternoon tea at the Milford Hall Hotel (entry forms are available from all of the participating local businesses.) Meanwhile Wilton Parish Church are holding a concert to raise funds for Home Start Wiltshire who support local struggling families, in St Martin's Church there's Christmas by Candlelight, and at St Thomas's there's Magic of Christmas in aid of Salisbury Trust For The Homeless.

Many local charities need extra help over Christmas, so it's worth getting in touch with them to find out more. In all areas of festivities, it would be great to act on the momentum achieved throughout this month, and try to keep it going throughout the rest of the year.