A MARITIME dose of festive magic came to Porlock Weir on Sunday (December 14) with the inaugural ‘Weir Christmas’ filling the harbour with song, smiles, and a memorable Santa arrival by sea.

The afternoon began at 1 pm with rousing sea shanties performed by The DZ Buoyz, comprising members of Minehead Lifeboat Station’s crew, drawing families and visitors to the harbour for an atmospheric start to the celebrations.

Soon after, Santa made a grand entrance, rowed in by the Porlock Weir Gig Club to the delight of the crowd gathered along the harbour wall.

After disembarking at the harbour, Santa headed to his woodland grotto in the Old Boat Shed, transformed with evergreens and twinkling lights into a cosy Christmas hideaway.

Children were welcomed into the grotto for a chat with Santa and received a small present.

Porlock Weir’s unique independent shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants were open throughout the day from 11 am alongside the festive entertainment.

The event concluded back by the harbour with carols, bringing the community together to end the afternoon on a warm, traditional note, with £174.30 raised for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Spokesman Will Rayner said: “Weir Christmas was a magical afternoon, with plenty of community spirit, a touch of seaside spectacle, and plenty of festive cheer.

“We would love this event to become a regular fixture in the festive calendar.”

Mr Rayner said the organisers would like to thank The DZ Buoyz, Porlock Weir Gig Club, the volunteers, and all those who went along and helped to create ‘such a joyful afternoon by the water’.

The event followed the launch of Porlock village festivities which saw Christmas lights switched on and crowds enjoy late night shopping, musical entertainment, carol singing, and the annual Santa dash through the High Street.