VISITORS wrapped-up, sipped warming drinks and listened to live music as Oxford University Botanic Garden opened its gates for its first Christmas Fair.

The fun started yesterday and continues today, and features stalls selling everything from bees wax and honey-based skin products to chutneys and artisan gins - all in the setting of the historic garden.

The director of the Botanic Garden, Prof Simon Hiscock said: “The Christmas Fair is a wonderful opportunity to experience a new way of stress-free Christmas shopping in Oxford, away from the frantic mêlée of the city centre and immersed in the tranquility of its historic Botanic Garden”.

The Christmas Fair takes place in the Walled Garden – the oldest part of the garden with entry through the grand Danby Gate, built in honour of the Garden’s founder Sir Henry Danvers, first Earl of Danby.

Among those playing was saxaphone player, Hugh Turner, performing with  the group Horns of Plenty.

He said: "It was a lovley gig in lovely surroundings. It was a privilege to play in the Botanic Garden. There was a great audience and we were pleased to be among the great suporters of the garden."