FESTIVE spirit was back in Bridport in December 2007.

Thousands of people of all ages turned out for the bumper Christmas Festival and late night shopping on Wednesday December 12.

The signal to start the ball rolling came from Bridport mayor Geoff Ackerman when he switched on the Christmas Tree lights in Bucky Doo Square.

There was music from the town’s St Swithin’s Band and carols from Bridport Choral Singers.

Hundreds of children queued to see Santa in his grotto after his grand arrival by sleigh.

Other attractions included Bridport Musical Theatre Company, live music at Bridport Youth Centre, a bustling night market in the Electric Palace Cinema, and punch and Judy show outside the museum.

Bridport Museum was also open for the evening offering free entry to all visitors.

Many of the Wednesday market stall holders stayed into the evening and there were plenty of craft and charity stalls and shops staying open to keep festive shoppers busy.

The farmers’ market took over Bridport Arts Centre for the evening and there were also craft workshops for children at the venue.

The night also marked the final night of the spectacular Christmas Tree Festival in the United Church.

The festival, in its tenth year, featured 65 trees beautifully decorated by local organisations and charities.