HUNDREDS of people turned out to support community Christmas celebrations in Whittlesey over the weekend, with late night shopping, a children’s fairground and a Christmas tree festival.

Despite pouring rain on Friday, the Christmas Extravaganza in the Market Square organised by the Whittlesey and District Business Forum was a huge success and got the town’s festive celebrations off to a great start.

Shop owner David Wright said: “The crowds and the volunteers came out in force. This event is an opportunity for shops in the town to thank customers for their support, and it was a really lovely evening.”

The Extravaganza included charity stalls, and entertainment by the Cambridgeshire Caledonian Pipe Band, a Punch and Judy show, the Saddletramp line dancers, and a balloon sculptor. Visitors were also able to take a look at the Pride of the Fens traction engine and the Whittlesey fire engined, and listen to music from a traditional fairground organ.

Santa was in his grotto, courtesey of Whittlesey Round Table, and children took the chance to put in some last minute requests.

The event ended with carol singing, that was moved indoors to St Mary’s Church, with music provided by the Salvation Army band.

“Many of the shops opened late and offered hospitality in the form of mince pies and drinks,” added David. “A lot organisations worked really well together to make the event a great success.”

Friday was also the opening day of a three-day Christmas tree festival, staged by the Friends of St Mary’s Church.

A forest of more than 60 fabulously festive trees were packed into the 15th century church, and the event raised more than �1,000 for church funds.

Trees had been decorated by various organisations, businesses and families, some traditional and some very unusual.

“A local garage made a tree out of exhaust pipes, and one organisations made a tree out of drink bottles,” said David.