Festive high spirits (From Gazette Series)

Festive high spirits

WOTTON-under-Edge was filled with festive spirit at the weekend as hundreds of people filled the streets to share Christmas under the Edge.

Despite wet and windy weather forecasts the town's folk turned out in their droves to support the town's first Christmas event for several years.

The evening festivities started with a parade through the centre of the town led by town crier George Carpenter. The winner of the children's fancy dress competition was then given the opportunity to ride with Father Christmas during the parade.

Church Street, Long Street and High Street were all closed to allow room for stalls and entertainment during the Christmas fair.

There were 26 stalls selling all sorts of yuletide ware including Christmas cards, calendars, crafts, mulled wine, a hog roast and candy floss.

Father Christmas was in his grotto behind the Star Inn and entertainment was provided by a variety of groups such as the Round the Edge Choir, Wotton Silver band, Blow Away Band and Bristol-based Macaroni Penguins.

A selection of local schools were also involved singing seasonal carols and plenty of people turned out to support the event.

The event was organised by Wotton Chamber of Trade and was declared a success by the group's president Alex Wilkinson.

He said: "There were masses of people.

"Everyone put in a really good effort and we had 48 Christmas trees to decorate the town.

"We will definitely be doing it next year but we plan to make it bigger and create more awareness."

The event raised more than £1,000 half of which will go to a local charity and the other half will be put towards the next Chamber of Trade event to be held in May.

Anyone who would like to get involved in next years Wotton Christmas event should contact Alex Wilkinson on 01453 845004.