WATCH: Bridport gets in the festive spirit at Christmas cheer event

By Francesca Evans

8th Dec 2022 | Local News

Bridport was full of festive cheer on Wednesday evening, as the town's Christmas lights were switched on.

The Christmas Cheer events saw Bridport residents and visitors soaking up the festive atmosphere, with music, entertainment, food and drink on offer.

The Christmas tree and lights in Bucky Doo Square were switched on by the Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark, in front of a large crowd.

Schoolchildren from Burton Bradstock, Salway Ash, St Catherine's, Loders, St Mary's, Bridport Primary and Powerstock entertained with Christmas tunes in the Chapel in the Garden and Buckydoo Square, along with a small choir of Ukrainian women singing traditional songs from their home country.

Traditional carols also filled the streets and further entertainment was on offer at Millennium Green, including the Wyld Morris musicians and dancers, Lauren and Phil Rosenberg, Jack Daniels and Ben Wain, Bernie Brough and Chris Rickard.

The live music programme was rounded off with the Skalatans in Bucky Doo Square after the big switch on.

Stallholders in the town centre, town hall and Bridport Arts Centre offered arts, crafts, local produce, food and drink, while children also enjoyed festive craft activities, face painting and fairground rides.

Father Christmas was also on hand to greet the crowds outside Bridport Arts Centre and many local businesses and attractions stayed open late for the occasion and decorated for the best shop window competition.

Bridport United Church opened its Christmas Tree Festival with 26 glittering trees, each decorated by a different local organisation.

The festival will now be open until Sunday, December 18, 11am to 4pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 2pm to 4pm on Sundays.

Bridport Christmas Cheer was sponsored by Nantes, Framptons Butchers, Hussey & Briggs, Martin & Co, and McCarthy Stone.