FATHER Christmas was pulled into a village fayre on a horsedrawn cart waving to children excited to see him.

Scores of people lined the street to see Father Christmas make his entrance to Kempsey Village Christmas Fayre on Saturday (November 26).

As well as Santa's grotto, people were able to browse 30 stalls and enjoy a barbecue, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and live music.

The event was organised by SJ Smallpage, Simon Bott and volunteers from the Kempsey Events Crew, raising over £3000.

Mrs Smallpage said the event was a huge success and a joint effort to make the event so magical. 

She said: "The event was a huge success and we are so happy with how the day went. We feel really blessed.

"Reverand Mark Badger of Severnside Churches was also so important to make this event happen.

"We had lots of things available for attendees to do on the day, including a BBQ, mulled wine, a top bar, roasted chestnuts, Santa's Grotto, a VIP Prosecco bar, cafe, cakes and live music.

"We could not do it all without the help of our amazing volunteers. It was a real joint effort to make this happen."

All of the money raised by the event will go directly back into the community for future events organised by the Kempsey Events Crew.

Mrs Smallpage said: "All of our money raised from the event gets re-invested directly back into Kempsey and for future events for the area.

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"Next year we are planning a coronation ceremony and a summer fete which will be made possible by the funds raised from these events."

Mrs Smallpage also highlighted the help of local businesses in the area, saying the event also could not have run without their help."

She said: "The event had over 30 stalls from local businesses. We really could not have done it without them as well.

"A huge thank you to all the businesses that supported us. The day was so much fun."

All of the donations were raised at the various stalls, barbecue and Santa's Grotto, but more money is still coming in from the event adding to the total.

Reverand Canon Mark Badger said: "The £3000 is very much needed to support the church outreach work and activities in the community, for example, the toddlers’ group, community pantry and to help the vulnerable across all ages."