Thousands turn out for Christmas Festival

Shops stayed open late and a variety of events and entertainment all over the town centre ensured there was no escaping the yuletide fun.

With the absence of the usual carnival-type procession, perhaps the highlight of the weekend was the temporary ice rink on the terrace of the De La Warr Pavilion.

The attraction, a first for the town, was so popular it sold out within 90 minutes of tickets going on sale and an estimated 1,000 Bexhillians had the opportunity to try their hand at ice skating.

The De La Warr was also the focus for many other Christmassy events on Saturday, staging a mini-fair and Burning Desire fire dancers in the car park, carol singing from the Shout Choir and East Sussex School of Performing Arts and festive favourites from Battle Town Band.

There was plenty going on at the marquee at the end of Devonshire Road with bands, circus performers and raucous drummers livening up Saturday afternoon.

Happy Harold the open-topped trolleybus proved a popular attractioon as it ferried shoppers for free tours of the town.

Jugglers and other entertainers and performers mingled with shoppers throughout the town and many traders pushed the boat out - staying open to attract evening shoppers, dressing-up and offering sweets, mince pies and wine to customers.