The Ashley Centre celebrated everything from high culture to high street culture at the weekend to mark that there is just a year to go until the Olympics.

Shoppers were entertained by a comedy Shakespeare duo roaming the centre on hobby horses, reciting impromptu sonnets and odes of love.

Children took part in Gruffalo storytelling sessions and games at Waterstone’s as well as an Olympics workshop hosted by Explore Learning.

High Street fashion took centre stage with catwalk shows hosted by centre retailers including House of Fraser, New Look and moving mannequins in the Marks and Spencer shop window.

Marketing Manager Diana Cordova said: "When we heard about Culture Vulture weekend we were keen to get involved and the event created a buzz in The Ashley Centre.

"The Shakespeare act and live mannequins at Marks and Spencer really took shoppers by surprise! The story telling sessions proved popular and it was fantastic to see our stores take part and promote their Autumn 2011 ranges."