Shoppers out in force for festival late night opening in Sidmouth

THERE was a real Christmas flavour to Sidmouth’s late night shopping event on Friday and streets were buzzing with people.

This year, Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce organised more activities and entertainment than ever, and more shops and businesses remained open until 8pm.

Solicitors’ firms Everys and Ford Simey Ford, were serving mulled wine, wine and mince pies to people dropping by and Shelia Kerridge from Vinnicombes had a sausage roll and mince pie stall, collecting donations for Sidmouth Lifeboat.

Penny Newland of No 83 for Cards organised High Street activities, including a craft sale at Sidmouth Methodist Church, offering Christmas puddings and other goodies, also for the lifeboat, jazz from Pete Allen and a hog roast.

Balloon animals, made by Professor Fumble, excited young onlookers and there were carols galore from Sidmouth Folk Choir, St John’s School and Sidmouth College as well as Methodist Church singers, accompanied by the Salvation Army musicians.

Sidmouth Parish Church was packed to hear Sidmouth Primary pupils sing, and Sidmouth Museum opened, offering gifts for sale and free mulled wine.

Shoppers followed the star to Bethlehem (Holmdale) where members from Sidmouth churches had staged an interactive nativity scene, complete with a live baby ‘Jesus’.

Father Christmas arrived in style in the Lions Club sleigh and was also spotted having a rest in Potbury’s window.

The Sidmouth Herald’s prize draw proved popular and top prize of a hamper of garden tools, donated by Sidmouth Garden Centre, went to Caroline Harris of Baker Close.

She said: “I might give it to mum, she likes gardening. I’m not generally lucky.”

Sandra Cole, in Santa outfit, gave out mince pies to Sidmouth Town Band and sweets to Father Christmas as they entertained.

“It was a way of the Chamber of Commerce thanking them,” she said.