AN ALL-DAY Christmas event has been hailed as a success after thousands of people flocked to Dorchester town centre.
Dorchester Christmas Cracker returned on Sunday with a brand-new format for the first time in more than 25 years, namely being an all-day event and switching to a weekend.
Steve Bulley, chairman of the Christmas Cracker Committee, explained the event took place between 11am and 4pm in a bid to better support traders and businesses.
The event, which he described as a ‘mainstay in Dorchester for over 25 years’ has been organised by a committee of people including representatives from Dorchester Chamber for Business, Dorchester BID and the retail community in the town.
Mr Bulley said: “It was the first time we had a daytime event and it was all new to us.
“There’s been lots of feedback which has been great, the stall holders were successful, the Rock Choir were wonderful and the event was very well attended.”
Mr Bulley estimated that around 3,000 attended the event throughout the day and felt it was important to have plenty of events and shows throughout the day.
Festive stalls lined High West Street, the Rock Choir sang songs, artists performed on a stage outside St Peter’s Church, with a craft fair at both Shire Hall and in the Corn Exchange.
Luxe Rally brought some luxury cars to The Corn Exchange while a fancy-dress competition was arranged for children.
Amid the rise of Covid-19 cases in Dorset and the emergence of the new Omicron variant, face masks were advised to be worn and people were encouraged to wash their hands.
Mr Bulley also hoped the timing of the event helped lure in customers following their trip to the popular Dorchester car boot sale at the market site.
He added: “We obviously wanted to make it a day full of things to do and we wanted to have as many people come and enjoy themselves.
“I stood outside the St Peter’s Church and I saw the crowds of people and it brought a tear to my eye.
“I would like to thank everyone and all the volunteers who got this event organised and made it happen and everyone who attended.”
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