Santa visits Bridport for Christmas cheer up event

A visit from Santa, Morris dancers, Christmas music and extended market hours are all part of Bridport's answer to the coronavirus pandemic this Christmas.

The annual Christmas Cheer event was cancelled because of restrictions, but some festivities will still go ahead in the town today.

Market stalls will stay open until 4 pm today and will stretch further across the town to encourage people to shop local.

Children will be able to see Santa in a COVID-secure manner at the Arts Centre on Sunday 13th December.

Daryl Chambers works for the town council. He said:

"It's designed to help all the businesses and all the market stalls.

"Bridport primarily is a market town. We've got the best outdoor market in the South West.

"This council sees the sense in supporting the market and making the market a crucial factor in the town centre. If you want to regenerate your high street, and to have a successful high street, you should have a successful market.

"People who come to Bridport expect to see our market."

Here's a full list of what will be going on in the town:

• Christmas music will be piped out over Bucky Doo Square

• Morris Dancing (social distanced) outside Bridport Antiques

• Bridport Sea Cadets will be collecting gift donations outside of Peacocks for Bridport Disabled Carers and Friends Club

• Small Christmas Tree display outside of the United Church

• A handcrafted, illuminated Nativity scene in the Lyric Theatre

• Bridport Museum’s Shop is open from 10am – 1 pm selling unique and unusual gifts and stocking fillers.

• Take part in the Bridport Carnival’s misplaced fir cone competition

• Bridport Tourist Information Centre is selling Christmas cards for good causes

• In Bucky Doo Square at 11 am The High Sheriff of Dorset, George Streatfeild, will be presenting High Sheriff Awards to thank members of the Town Council and community for their work supporting the vulnerable during the pandemic.

• Prizes for the best stall and shop window

Children wishing to see Santa at the Arts Centre on Sunday must be booked in beforehand. You can find out how to do that here:

https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/

Dorset Council have agreed to give free parking in all their Bridport car parks on Saturday 5th, 12th and 19th December