Ho, ho, ho hullabaloo

FEATHERS AND lily-white beards flew as 100 sack-fighting Santas appeared around Wellington’s inner city this afternoon.

In three locations – Civic Square, the waterfront and Cuba Mall – members of Adventure Wellington appeared quietly from all angles, then erupted into mock battles, shouting while swatting each other with their Santa sacks. Once initial thoughts of danger subsided, onlookers raised cameras to capture the unusual sight.

Adventure Wellington organiser Roy Hoogmoed said it was a fun way to end a good year that included fundraising events like a zombie run on Somes Island and setting a world record for the number of sandcastles built in one hour at Lyall Bay.

The charitable trust’s members had wanted to spread some cheer among stressed-out Wellingtonians doing last-minute shopping.

‘‘People are quite amazed. There were a lot of people laughing, taking photos and pulling out their smartphones,’’ Hoogmoed said.

Victoria University student Puawai Chapman, 20, said it was ‘‘so cool’’ to see her first flash mob while Christmas shopping at Cuba Mall.

She and friends heard noises outside Farmers, and thought it was a street fight. But emerging outside, they saw masses of Santas surrounded the iconic fountain.

‘‘Only in spunky Wellington,’’ she said.