Slideshow: Festive fun at Wells Christmastide

EMMA KNIGHTS

Santa swapped his sleigh for a different mode of transport as he brought some Christmas magic to Wells at the weekend.

The festive fellow arrived at the seaside town by boat on Saturday for the annual Wells Christmas Tide event where he was welcomed by a colourful and brightly lit parade of people young and old and a fireworks display before heading off to his grotto in the Granary Theatre.

His arrival was one of the highlights of the seasonal event which organisers said attracted record crowds of about 3,000 people.

Carnival vice-chairman Shirley Golding said: “It was absolutely fantastic. There were record crowds.

“When we did the parade the streets were full of people and there was a good crowd at the quay.

“The illuminated parade was wonderful - people put so much effort into costumes and illuminating themselves and the lanterns looked stunning.

“We paraded to the quay to welcome Santa, and the elves went looking for him and guided him into the quay. He arrived to absolutely spectacular fireworks.”

She said the committee, which also organises Wells Summer Carnival, was absolutely thrilled with the success of the day.

“It was a really good start to Christmas. We had a wonderful time,” she said.

Wells Christmas Tide

Among the many festive delights at Wells Christmas Tide was the Christmas Tide café that served up some tasty treats, a Christmas market and the Christmas tree festival.

Characters from the Nativity spent Saturday moving through the town to find their way to the stable set up outside the Mermaid's Purse, off Staithe Street, and there were performances from Wells Primary School and other local performers.

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