THOUSANDS of people turned out on Sunday for Alton’s annual Yuletide Festival.

The unseasonaly warm but wet weather may have deterred some, but it failed to dampen the festive spirit with a steady flow of visitors perusing the street market stalls and enjoying the entertainment.

It was a bonanza for the children with plenty to do and see, from fair rides to miniature donkeys and even rare breed sheep.

And, of course, as well as more craft and charity stalls in the Assembly Rooms there was Santa Claus in his grotto, with more than 250 youngsters queuing up throughout the day to chat about their Christmas wishes and receive a small gift.

Performing in the High Street were the Alton Rock Choir, who entertained with seasonal songs, Alton Morris and the Minden Rose garland dancers, Alton College Jazz Collective, Alton Salvation Army band playing traditional Christmas carols, the Alton Convent Choir, and The Ukeaholics, who rounded off the afternoon with some foot-tapping favourites.

In addition, there were surprise visits from some special guests, among them the TLC Pamper Panda, Action Medical Research with mascot Paddington Bear, and representatives from Gilbert White’s Museum at Selborne performing the Snow Queen.

Alton mayor Pam Jones had a difficult task judging this year’s Best Dressed Stall competition, with the prize eventually going to Pinx Florist‚ whose stall not only looked but also smelled very Christmassy indeed!

Running alongside the Yuletide Festival was Alton Community Centre’s Christmas cracker fair. See next week’s Herald for story and pictures from the Christmas cracker.