SANTA had ditched his traditional sleigh this year and arrived in a different style at Pershore's annual Christmas event this year.

Father Christmas arrived in style on a motorbike as he visited Pershore's Christmas Light Switch On.

Crowds flocked to the market town on Saturday to celebrate the event, which for the first time had a Georgian Christmas Fayre as the backdrop to the festivities. 

Evesham Journal: Santa and Pershore's town crier Robert Speight at Number 8. Santa and Pershore's town crier Robert Speight at Number 8. (Image: Stephen Baird-Parker)Broad Street was filled with market stalls and fun fayre rides from Friday to Sunday as the town extended its festivities throughout the whole weekend.

On Friday, people gathered in woolly hats, scarves and some in traditional Georgian outfits to watch the town's lights get switched on.

The switch on featured Carol singing at the town's Christmas, a tribute to The Greatest Showman with the song A Million Dreams being sung and Santa's Grotto officially opening.

Evesham Journal: Old-fashioned theme park rides were in town over the weekend.Old-fashioned theme park rides were in town over the weekend. (Image: Stephen Baird-Parker)Then, across the weekend, the town had various musicians perform throughout the day, with fairground rides running and the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto.

This year, the switch on had been moved to Broad Street to allow the Georgian Christmas Fayre to be involved in the festivities.

Mrs Charlie MacIntyre, town clerk at Pershore Town Council, said: "Seeing the community unite to make Pershore’s first Annual Georgian Christmas Fayre a great success was inspirational.

"So many hard-working volunteers deserve a huge pat on the back for their dedication and commitment to making this event so memorable.

"Thousands of residents attended the Christmas Light switch on Friday evening, beginning with a procession down the High Street, carols around the Christmas tree and finishing with an entertainment programme to be proud of.

"Let’s hope it’s the first of many in the years to come."

Evesham Journal: People came dressed in traditional Georgian outfits.People came dressed in traditional Georgian outfits. (Image: Stephen Baird-Parker)The market had a selection of handmade gifts, arts and crafts, and food and beverages from local vendors to help support local businesses and foster community spirit.

Police, fire service, and Worcestershire County Council were also in attendance, and temporary road closures around Broad Street were put in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Pershore Georgian Christmas Fayre was delivered to the town by Pershore Town Council, Pershore Place Board and Wychavon District Council.