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Santa and his Reindeer please the crowds at Christchurch Christmas Festival |
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Thursday, 18 December 2008 |
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People in their thousands took advantage of the bright winter weather to enjoy the Christchurch Christmas Festival. Throughout the day the Christmas Market in the High Street reported good business as people did some leisurely shopping for festive gifts. Christchurch Community Partnership had organised a full programme of entertainment in the marquee in Saxon Square which was full to bursting point with audiences watching a whole range acts from morris dancers and mummers to big bands and high energy dance troupes. Children were also well served in the marquee with an art competition and face painting. Meanwhile in Bargates, Wessex Fire & Rescue Service had set up their fire appliances along with a pole which children could slide down. A number of snowmen were also to be seen encouraging people to take part in a raffle to win a magnificence Christmas cake and raise funds for the Wessex Autistic Society, which is based in Bargates. The highlight of the day was Santa arriving with his reindeer. Starting off at Peeks Partystore, where the New Forest Choir had entertained the crowds waiting for his arrival, the procession made its way down Bargates to arrive at a packed High Street. Steve Power from Wave 105 FM announced Santa’s arrival and introduced the Town Crier and the Mayor before leading the crowd in a countdown to the lights switch-on. Unfortunately, a technical hitch meant the lights did not go on immediately as planned, but soon they were blazing all down the High Street to mark the start of the Festive season. Crowds then lined up outside the Priory where Santa and his reindeer had gone to meet the public. It was estimated that more than two thousand people queued for a chance to pet and feed the reindeer and for children to let Santa know what they hoped to get for Christmas. Paul Riley, chairman of the Christmas Festival Committee said: “We had a really wonderful day which was blessed by the fine weather. I’m sure everyone had a great time seeing Santa and his reindeer and we must thank a number of sponsors and traders in the town centre and Bargates who made it possible for them to visit. Once again the High Street was packed for the lights switch-on and the slight technical hitch really didn’t prevent everyone enjoying themselves.” |
