SIXTY thousand people are believed to have attended Beverley's annual Festival of Christmas at the weekend.
Father Christmas and his reindeer, marching bands, Bernese Mountain Dogs and stars of Bridlington Spa's pantomime Cinderella came together to parade through the town for the 18th Beverley Festival of Christmas.
The festivities were officially started by Strictly Come Dancing star Camilla Dallerup, who was invited to open the event.
Camilla said: "I was very excited to be asked to open the Beverley Festival of Christmas, it is such a cute town. I came here before when I was touring and really fell in love with Beverley so it is great to be back.
"I'm going to go and have a look at all the delicious food stalls and then it is back to Bridlington for rehearsals for the pantomime."
Visitors were treated to more than 120 stalls at the Victorian Christmas market, offering local and seasonal crafts and produce, with various musical performers, bands and street artists entertaining the crowds.
Chairman of East Riding Council, Councillor Claude Mole, said: "I am delighted to support the Beverley Festival of Christmas.
"It is a lovely festive market with lots of variety and plenty of things going on creating such a magical atmosphere, especially for the children, and it is a perfect start to the festive celebrations.
"It is so important to support local businesses and this festival offers an exceptional showcase of local produce and crafts. It truly is an excellent opportunity to show Beverley at its best and promote the every growing facilities this lovely historical market town has to offer."
Children had the opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself, who had brought along his real-life reindeer to Beverley for the crowds to meet.
Balloon modellers, jugglers, face painting and Victorian fairground rides were also there to entertain young ones, as well as a birds of prey display, classic car show and civil war re-enactment.
This year's event was organised by East Yorkshire Events.
Honorary festival chairman John Bird said: "I never thought back in 1995 when the first Festival of Christmas took place that it would have grown and developed as it has.
"This year we have more than 120 stalls and anticipate upwards of 60,000 people attending from all over the country.
"The award-winning festival is recognised as one of the leading one-day festivals of its type in the UK.
"We hope the event is an enjoyable day for the whole family."
Christmas-themed events also took place throughout the day at the Treasure House, with a festive fayre, and at Toll Gavel Church, where musical entertainment and mulled wine and mince pies were served.
Thousands also flocked to Beverley Minster for the Christmas Tree Festival, where 60 decorated trees were on display for visitors to browse.
Matthew and Sarah Morgan, from Beverley, attended the festival with their two children Bella, 6, and Issac, 4.
Matthew said: "It is fantastic to have an event like this right on our doorstep.
"Beverley really pulls out all the stops at Christmas.
"It really is special, especially for the children."
