Thousands turned out on Saturday 28 November to see the lights switched on in Christchurch.
The 2015 Christchurch festival day was packed with activities to entertain families with the highlight for the youngsters being the arrival of Father Christmas.
He left Peeks Party Store in a sleigh drawn by reindeer and accompanied by elves and made his way along Bargates and down the High Street to the Priory. Children could follow a candlelit walk to could meet Santa and his six reindeer and give him their Christmas lists.
The lights were switched on by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Frederick Neale, and there were guest appearances by characters from Snow White, this year’s pantomime in Bournemouth.
A street market sold Christmas gifts, hot food and drinks and there were also fun fair attractions for the children.
The Christmas festival craft fair in the Priory featured original hand crafted gifts by local artists and artisans and the Priory also held its advent fayre selling bric-a-brac and cakes. Choirs, dancers, musicians and bands also performed throughout the day.
The festival is run by volunteers volunteers, determined to make Christmas magical in Christchurch.
