Swineshead was filled with festive cheer over the weekend as the annual Swineshead Christmas Festival returned, bringing families, residents and visitors together for two days of seasonal celebrations.
Saturday saw the much-loved Christmas Market take over the village, with stalls and attractions spread across the Market Place, Church Hall and St Mary’s Church. Visitors enjoyed a bustling mix of entertainment, fairground rides, Santa’s Grotto and a wide variety of trade and craft stalls, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.
A spokesperson for the Swineshead Christmas Festival Committee said: “We are absolutely thrilled with how the weekend went. The support from the community, volunteers, performers and local businesses has been incredible, and it was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the festivities. Events like this simply wouldn’t happen without the dedication of so many people working behind the scenes.”
The committee also extended special thanks to the performers and contributors who helped bring the festival to life, including Allen School of Dance, Karen Clare, Abi Clayton as The Ice Queen herself Elsa, Gary Santer, Sean and Chelcei Trafford, Laura Hudson, Windy Miller, Bluey, and Leon Glover, whose appearances proved hugely popular with children and families.
Organisers also used the weekend to promote the upcoming Swineshead Pantomime – Swineshead’s Got Talent… Maybe, which will take place at Swineshead Village Hall on 28 and 30 December. Thanks to a generous donation from the Swineshead Benevolent Fund, children under 12 can attend for free, helping to ensure the festive fun continues for families throughout the Christmas period.
The celebrations concluded on Sunday with the annual Santa Parade, which made its way through the village and delighted children and families lining the route. A special thank you has been given to Strategic Vehicle Solutions, who kindly donated a Ford Ranger to tow Santa’s sleigh around the village, ensuring the parade could go ahead safely and in festive style.
A spokesperson for Strategic Vehicle Solutions said: “We were proud to have donated a 4×4 from Strategic Vehicle Solutions to help tow Santa Claus through the village in his brightly lit sleigh. Santa toured the streets spreading festive cheer, and families were even able to track his journey in real time, making sure no one missed his arrival. It was fantastic to be part of such a special local tradition and help bring a bit of Christmas magic to Swineshead.”
Families and entertainers enjoy a visit to Santa’s grotto at Swineshead Christmas Market
The Grinch caused mischief at the village event, delighting families and children
The annual Santa parade took place through the village on Sunday, towed by a 4×4 kindly donated by Strategic Vehicle Solutions.
