Snow geese light the way for market

Left, Rex French prepares his tartiflette and right, Mother Christmas, Fiona Lloyd Tenterden Junior school with their illuminated geese in the parade Crowds enjoyed a bit of early Christmas sparkle when Tenterden held its festive market. Shops, businesses, schools and volunteers took part in the twoday festival, which had crafts, food and drink stalls and more. High Street shops displayed their own Christmas trees to give the town centre an extra bit of festive cheer and children from Tenterden Junior School made illuminated geese for the occasion. There was entertainment from the fairground rides and music from performers like Greg Jennings, and Fiona Lloyd became Mother Christmas for the day. Worshippers also gathered for a church service at St Mildred’s. The big Christmas tree lights were switched on by the Mayor of Tenterden Cllr Justin Nelson. He said: “It was a wonderful event, showcasing both the town and the outstanding array of crafts, food Loraine Brennan of Up the Garden Sauces adds some Christmas spirit to her products and drink stalls. Congratulations to the organising committee and volunteers, led by event organisers Natasha Mahoney and Seren Welch, who worked exceptionally hard to make it such a success.

“The atmosphere was brilliant, and complemented by the best display of Christmas lights the town has ever seen, so many thanks to Scott Mitchell, Rob Twyman and their colleagues for that.

“And thanks to Hole Park and Rotary for providing the traditional centrepiece, the lovely Christmas tree outside the Town Hall. Christmas has certainly come to Tenterden in style.”

It was the biggest ever Christmas market held in the town, with more than 80 stalls and the first ever Christmas light parade saw around 300 children and their families carrying lanterns and candles, as they walked the packed high street following a stilt walking Snow Queen and three large in-flight snow geese lanterns.

Ms Welch said: “We now have a blueprint to build on and a whole year to plan a bigger and better event for 2018.”

FM5002604/FM5002593 FM5002565 Elf Sienna, 10, left; Tenterden mayor Cllr Justin Nelson switches on the lights, above

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FM5002615 Father Christmas arrives in style

FM5002592 Summer Stewart-Welch offers some of her food to a craft reindeer

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Picture: C Walters Photography Santa waves to the crowd

Picture: Stuart Kirk Christmas lights parade in Tenterden town centre

Picture: Paul Amos FM5002628 A packed church for the service

FM5002601/FM5002572 The fun of the fair at the Christmas market