Despite light snowfall first thing Dorchester’s second all-day Cracker event was a huge success. The town saw thousands of people brave the chilly weather to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Steve Bulley, vice president of Dorchester Chamber for Business, pictured with Paddington and a polar bear. said: “It was wonderful to see the town so busy again this year. We were able to offer quality stalls offering something different.”
The event moved last year to an all-day event after 25 years as an evening Christmas light switch-on.
The first Children’s Santa Hat parade saw more than 300 parading in High West Street.
Steve added: “Cracker is run by a small number of volunteers who work tirelessly all year round to create a festive day for our county town.”

And Bridport enjoyed a festive treat, with scores of stallholders, entertainment and delicious food and drink filling the streets for the evening. Shoppers were able to browse thousands of handmade items, shake hands with a dinosaur and enjoy live entertainment as the lights were switched on by mayor Ian Bark.