THE streets of Watchet were thronged with festive crowds on Friday (December 5) when the town kicked off its Christmas celebrations with a late night extravaganza hailed by the organisers as a massive success.

Santa steps ashore in Watchet Marina to a warm welcome from the crowds during the town's late night extravaganza. PHOTO: George Ody.Face painting with Lottie Humphries and Jayda Swaby-Halls during Watchet's late night extravaganza. PHOTO: George Ody.A lantern-lit procession in Watchet escorted Father Christmas to his grotto. PHOTO: George Ody.Lighting up the East Quay in Watchet with lanterns for the arrival by boat of Father Christmas. PHOTO: George Ody.Street entertainers helped to add to the atmosphere of Watchet's festive late night extravaganza. PHOTO: George Ody.

Santa steps ashore in Watchet Marina to a warm welcome from the crowds during the town's late night extravaganza. PHOTO: George Ody.

Face painting with Lottie Humphries and Jayda Swaby-Halls during Watchet's late night extravaganza. PHOTO: George Ody.

A lantern-lit procession in Watchet escorted Father Christmas to his grotto. PHOTO: George Ody.

Lighting up the East Quay in Watchet with lanterns for the arrival by boat of Father Christmas. PHOTO: George Ody.

Street entertainers helped to add to the atmosphere of Watchet's festive late night extravaganza. PHOTO: George Ody.

Late night shopping and a programme of music and street entertainment culminated in Father Christmas’s arrival by boat in the marina from where he was escorted by a children’s lantern parade through the town to his grotto.

Visitors and residents enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies as they toured the shops, Christmas market and charity stalls, and listened to a live music programme which included Watchet Town Band, Watchet Community Choir, and the Watchet Singers.

Hosted by the town council and local businesses, the extravaganza has become a major event in the town.