ORGANISERS of Christmas fun in Minehead were knocked out by the numbers who flocked to meet Santa, the reindeer and other festive characters last Saturday – in spite of bad weather.

Friends of Minehead First School had stepped into the breach to provide festivities for the town at the school when plans for an event held last year - the Community Christmas Extravaganza - were cancelled, while the Christmas Community Festival, also previously held, was not scheduled.

“It was fantastic. We were really concerned because of the weather and worried it would be a disaster – but if more people had come, we couldn’t have coped,” said Charlie Kennedy, the Friends treasurer.

“We have had lovely feedback, and it was all more than we could have hoped for.”

The school, which normally holds a smaller scale Christmas fair, still managed to raise over £4,000, which will go towards replacing its pool roof.

A good turnout saw the festivities begin at the Old Hospital, with singing and a performance by local dance school LA Dancers, after which people made their way with lanterns to the school.

Once at the school, visitors enjoyed everything from an ice rink, two live reindeer and an Alaskan Snow Dog, Santa’s Grotto with presents to 19 stalls with games as well as crafts and products, plenty of hot food and drinks.

“We also had a wonderful raffle with prizes donated by lots of local businesses - we’ve had overwhelming support locally,” said Charlie.

“It was a lovely atmosphere, the children were so excited and Santa was fantastic.”