The festive countdown began in Whittlesey on Friday when hundreds of people turned out for the town’s Christmas Extravaganza.
Shops opened late and charity stalls were set up in the town centre alongside fairground rides as the event, organised by Whittlesey and District Business Forum, started yuletide celebrations in style.
The event was opened by the mayor of Whittlesey, David Mason, and was followed by performances by Morris dancers, line dancers, carol singers, a highland pipe band and Whittlesey Youth Theatre.
Santa also stopped by to gather last-minute present requests from children.
Last year’s event was affected by pouring rain, but there were no such problems this year.
Shop owner Shirley Wright, of Wrights of Whittlesey, said: “Thankfully this year there was no fog, no rain and mild temperatures – it was ideal. It was another fabulous night. A lot of the shops opened late and many offered a drink and mince pies to shoppers.”
Friday was also the opening day of the annual Christmas tree festival at St Mary’s Church in Whittlesey.
The 15th century church was packed with trees decorated by individuals and community groups to raise money for the church’s maintenance funds.
The church was open on Saturday and yesterday, with the festival closing last night with carol singing where mulled wine and mince pies were served.
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