Record crowds thronged Berkhamsted’s High Street on Sunday, November 28 to enjoy the delights of music, fun food and drink, hot chestnuts, merry-go-rounds and flashing toys at this year’s Festival of Light.
There was a good representation by 21 voluntary sector organisations that benefit and support the community: Berkhamsted Chamber of Commerce, Community Action Dacorum, Age UK, Berkhamsted Rotary, S4D, Young Enterprise, Gobstoppers Theatre Group, The Swan Youth Band, Repair Shed and many others.
Festivities were started by Pepper Band and Chambers PA on staging provided by Berkhamsted School.
The crowds grew to watch the lights on the huge Christmas trees spring into life and dance their way along the High Street.
Last year, organisers Berkhamsted Rotary lost Matthew Minors, a Rotarian, their much-loved Father Christmas and devoted Pepper Band supporter – so it was our opportunity to honour Matthew and all he did for Berkhamsted.
The Mayors of Dacorum and Berkhamsted also graced residents with their presence.
Youngsters were welcomed into the Civic Centre, where, with the help of the Elves, they wrote letters to Santa, with Mrs Claus helping them post them safely.
Proceedings climaxed with Santa and his sleigh riding down the street, to pick up the letters on his way home.
As a fitting farewell, the snow started to fall and the magnificent bells of St Peter’s rang out into the freezing night air.
Santa will be touring the streets of Berkhamsted and Northchurch every evening between now and December 21.
For details of his routes, please refer to berkorotary.org
There you can also see details of the charities and fundraisers that Santa and his helpers will be supporting this year.
Photo credit: Rollo Prendergast
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