AN EVENTS group wrapped up a year of success with the lighting of a tree to bring festive cheer to a community throughout December.

Christmas Tree on the Green is organised by West Bay Days in association with Churches Together in Bridport and District and was attended by more than 100 people who packed into St John’s Church to join together in singing some carols.

Since West Bay Days started the Christmas Tree on the Green celebrations a resident of Harbour House has switched on the lights and this year Georgina Woodhouse kindly agreed to do the honours, delighting the crowds after the traditional countdown revealed the magnificent Christmas Tree. By this time Harbourside Carnival Club’s Christmas Santa Float had arrived to complete the event.

In the church, St Swithun’s Band provided the music while the Rev Philip Ringer invited the congregation to choose some carols.

Sylvia Stafford, of West Bay Days, said: “A rousing performance of the Twelve Days of Christmas was followed by everyone moving outside to sing the last few carols around the tree.”

Free seasonal refreshments and warming mulled wine were provided and the organisers would like to thank the George Hotel and Harbour House for providing the mulled wine and the delicious home-made mince pies.

The tree will stay in place to light up Harbour Green throughout December.

Sylvia added: “The West Day Days Committee would also like to thank Bridport Town Council for its support, Bridport Town Mayor, Cllr Anne Rickard and Deputy Mayor, Cllr Barry Irvine for attending the event, and all the group’s many local sponsors, volunteers and beneficiaries for helping to make it such an enjoyable afternoon.”

Awards will be made to this year’s beneficiaries (Bridport Barracudas, Pathways To Care, St Andrew’s Pre-School and the West Bay Women’s Institute) at a presentation evening at the end of January.
Applications for 2018 Awards will be welcome from local groups and charities from mid-February.

West Bay Days organises a number of events throughout the year, including West Bay Day in August, bonfire on the beach in October or November, and a pirates day in May. This was the last event in the 2017 calendar. 

Visit www.westbay.org.uk