Cheers!

Organisers were delighted as record numbers of people packed the streets to enjoy mulled wine, live entertainment, late-night shopping and an electric atmosphere.

Traders donned fancy-dress for the ninth annual event, while charity workers joined in the fun with a host of fundraising stalls.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council tourism officer Jacqui Gisbourne said more than 18,000 people filled the town centre for the extravaganza.

To the delight of hundreds of youngsters Father Christmas stole the show when he arrived in a camouflaged Royal Air Force armoured personnel carrier.

ITV's Wizadora, Lizzie McPhee, star of this year's pantomime Peter Pan, also soaked up the atmosphere, helping escort Santa to Brewer's Quay on the land train.

Traders turned back the clock to the last century by dressing up in Victorian costume.

But there was disappointment from some judges assessing costumes, window dressing, stalls and shops, who said more traders should have taken part.

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Joy Stanley said: "It was a shame that more traders didn't take part in the display competition, but among those that did, the standard was magnificent.

"The weather may have been a bit depressing to begin with but the people of Weymouth and Portland were enormously supportive. It was a very happy evening and the children seemed to enjoy it all enormously.

"As always seems to happen, Weymouth and Portland outdid the previous year and people grouped together to make a really great evening."

Former South Dorset MP Ian Bruce was also disappointed in the number of traders taking part in the display competition.

He said: "The competition winners were very good, but I was rather disappointed about how many shops didn't make the effort to do something for Shownight, particularly since a lot of people and young children had come into town for the evening.

"I hope next year there will be more people taking part."

Weymouth Salvation Army Band and Weymouth Accordion Club, and other groups, ensured festivities went with a swing.

Jacqui Gisbourne said: "We were worried at first because of the rain, as it does tend to hold people from coming out for the night, but once again the weather came up trumps for Shownight.

"We are very pleased at the number of charity stalls and it was a good idea to have the evening earlier than last year. A lot of people were out shopping and experiencing Christmas nostalgia."

Tony Harris, chairman of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, backed her remarks, saying: "It was a good year for traders. I saw a lot of people out shopping and taking advantage of the late opening, which continues every Thursday until Christmas."

Tricia Houlberg, Trimar Hospice chairman, said it was the 'best Shownight ever' and the charity had raised more than £7,000.

She said: "Other charities have also done very well due to people's generosity. People started coming into the town much earlier this year and the streets were noticeably packed. There were many more young families enjoying the atmosphere and Christmas shopping."

Coun Lynne Herbert said the evening had been great fun. She said: "There were lots of smiles on people's faces and the atmosphere was once again brilliant."

Divisional officer for Weymouth police Trevor Lewis said there had been no trouble over the evening.

He said: "The night was very family oriented and it was lucky the rain held off to make another good event for the town."