Streets turned white at Melford Olde Christmas

A new Christmas extravaganza in Long Melford has been hailed as a resounding success by organisers.

On Sunday more than 1,000 people took to the streets of Long Melford to enjoy the first ever Melford Olde Christmas, organised by the Long Melford Christmas Association.

The chance to meet Father Christmas in his grotto proved to be the main attraction, with queues of up to 90 minutes.

As well as Santa there were reindeer and donkeys to see and touch.

Cafés bars and restaurants were open offering seasonal delights, while there was also a popular barbecue.

The day ended with a lantern parade through the village, before the Christmas lights were officially switched on.

More than 500 people stayed to sing carols around the Christmas tree.

Organiser, Emma Butler Smith, said there were already plans for the event to run again next year.

“We wanted to start this year off relatively small and get the village back out and doing things.

“It was great that so many people were out, seeing people they knew.”

“It was better than we anticipated. It was brilliant, fantastic.”

Mrs Butler Smith was particularly pleased with the many snow machines throughout the street, creating a winter wonderland.

There were also puppet shows, while the Victorian magic shows completely sold out.

The event was funded by grants from Long Melford Parish Council and local businesses as well as fundraising events.

Any profits from the fair will be used to support the costs of next year’s fair.