Dorchester Christmas Cracker draws crowds despite rain

Billed as one of ‘the biggest yet,’ hundreds flocked to Dorchester's Christmas Cracker event, which promised more stalls than ever, taking over High West Street and the High Street on Sunday, December 10.

“It’s a traditional thing, it used to be called the Casterbridge Christmas Cracker- I’d like to see that name come back again, but this is Hardye country and today proves it,” said Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr Alistair Chisholm.

There were fears that the heavy rain on the morning of the Cracker would put people off attending, however hundreds still gathered at the top of High West Street at 12pm for the Santa Hat Children’s walk.

The walk saw the Mayor, Paddington Bear, a T-Rex, the Easter Bunny and a Polar Bear descend down the street with members of the public wearing Christmas hats and singing Christmas carols.

"We have Paddington here again- I’d love to continue our relationship with him as I do like the honey," Cllr Chisholm joked. 

Steve Bulley, Cracker Chairman said: “I have to say obviously, considering this morning’s weather was so bad, it is lovely to say that many of the stall holders and public have been brave and hardy enough to come out.”

“Dorchester always comes out rain or shine for Cracker, it’s just an institution that’s gone on for many, many years and it takes more than a few showers to scare the people of Dorchester off, that’s for certain,” he added.

Mr Bulley went on to say that some stall holders with light weight gazebos had to go home, but most had stayed.

Food stalls at the event varied from Yorkshire Pudding wraps, donuts, pizzas, hot dogs, pastries and sweet treats as well as stalls for home-made crafts, candles, soap, gin, Rustic Rudolph’s, jewellery and more.

“There are wonderful stalls, I’ve walked around both outside and in the Corn Exchange, a splendid range, you would not be at a loss to find a Christmas present- even for your friends and family that would have everything. You’ll find something special to suit each of them perfectly,” Cllr Chisholm added.

After the Santa Hat walk, the festivities continued from local radio station Keep106FM’s Entertainment Stage, sponsored by Al Molo Dorchester.

A majorette performance from the Twirl Academy ensued before a rock choir and children’s school choirs serenaded the public with Christmassy music by the stage outside St Peter's Church.

The county town's historic high street was closed to traffic to make way for the stalls and entertainment. 

The mayor added that this was a benefit to the day as pedestrians could walk on the road. 

He said: "Once again you can stroll down the high street which is lovely."

Organisers are already looking ahead to next year, and despite being tight-lipped about what to expect, Mr Bulley revealed that the 2024 Cracker will take place on Sunday, December 15.