THIS year’s Christmas Festival in Ivybridge saw a great turnout once again, the threat of bad weather failing to dampen festive spirits.

Town Council officer Julie Gilbert, who coordinated the event, said she was ‘delighted’ with the numbers of people who braved the weather last Friday evening and Saturday morning.

Among the entertainment on offer to delight the crowds was community Christmas tree dressing in Glanville’s Mill, Santa’s parade, and the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights at 7pm on Friday.

The parade featured Father Christmas on his mini express train, donkeys, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, walkers, and an appearance by carnival floats from the South Devon circuit, many of which went on to the South Brent Winter Carnival on Saturday.

With Rowlands fair, a laser show and snow storm, and food and stalls galore, the crowds had plenty to keep them busy, and stayed largely dry despite a mixed forecast.

Mayor of Ivybridge Dave Gray-Taylor said: ‘This year, despite poor weather conditions, it was lovely to see so many people from the community in the centre of the town enjoying this event. The volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes along with the organisers must be thanked as without them such events would not take place, and on the council’s behalf I wish to thank every one of them’.