A noisy Christmas: what inmates behind bars can expect during the holiday season

Not as good as on the outside, but the prisoners know it’s a little different from the 364 others they are behind bars.

The doors close like every day, but the menu has a Christmas feel when it comes to the food.

Anyone arriving in Wolverhampton by train from Staffordshire will see the huge prison complex where thousands of prisoners languish in Oakwood, Brinsford and Featherstone prisons.

In Staffordshire, which has one of the largest prison populations of any county in the country due to a multitude of prisons including HMP Dovegate, Stafford and even the Young Offenders Institute Swinfen, inmates could wake up to a ” festive breakfast basket” instead of porridge.

Every prison offers turkey and Christmas pudding, but those who want alternatives can opt for beef and suet, smoked haddock and mozzarella patties with homemade tartar sauce and vegetable Wellington.

Prisoners at HMP Featherstone are treated to a traditional Christmas dinner, if they wish.