Bridport: Record crowds at Christmas shopping festival (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Bridport: Record crowds at Christmas shopping festival

10:21am Thursday 17th December 2009

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RECORD crowds turned out for a night of fun and feasting at Bridport’s annual Christmas Shopping festival.

More than 2,000 packed the streets to enjoy a bumper programme of events this year.

Entertainment included carol singers, choirs, bands and theatrical groups performing alongside some 40 street traders, with many of the shops staying open late.

Volunteer members of the Bridport Christmas Festival committee which organises the event under chairman Arthur Woodgate, were delighted with the support.

Co-ordinator Frances Pearsall said: “I think it went fantastically well – we were so lucky with the weather.

“I have never seen so many people in town before and there were lots of youngsters.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, the entertainment was good, there were lots of stalls and the food was just great.”

South Street was closed to traffic for Bridport’s big night and mayor Martin Ray got things under way when the lights of the giant Bucky Doo Square Christmas tree were switched on.

Main events took place in the centre of town, the Arts Centre, at the Town Hall, the Electric Palace and around the Square.

Santa was kept busy in his grotto and children also enjoyed fairground rides and Punch and Judy, along with face painting and card making run by the Japanese Exchange Group.

Music and entertainment was provided by St Swithun's Band, Bridport Schools Choir, Symondsbury Mummers, Bridport Youth Dance Group, Bridport Musical Theatre, SingAcappella, Panto Players, Encore Theatre Club, St Mary's Singing Group and the Elizabethan Singers.

St Swithun’s Pre-School held their children’s Christmas party.

The youngsters had lots of fun including a fancy dress contest, party food and a visit from Santa.

Members paid a special thanks you to RJ Balsons the butchers, Forbidden Fruits, Vernon of Toymaster, Georges, Morrisons and the Co-op for their continued support.

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