Saundersfoot was all lit up at the weekend as the three-day St. Nicholas Christmas Market, a lantern parade and the arrival of Santa heralded the festive season in the friendly village.

Crowds wrapped up warm to beat the cold and enjoy the sights and sounds of the lively event, which featured over 50 stalls in its harbourside marquee, live music and chef demonstrations.

Visitors came from all over Pembrokeshire and along the South Wales corridor to join in the fun of the market, which was organised by Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism.

Said Chamber chairman Phil Odley: “This has been our biggest and best market by a mile.

“It got off to a great start with the lantern parade, which was a lovely sight as it made its way from Coppet Hall, via The Strand and the market over to the harbour decking for the switch-on of the lighting feature, and there have been lots of happy faces around this weekend.”

Saundesfoot CP School choir opened the market on Friday afternoon with carol-singing, and the music continued with Tough Love and the Greenhill School Jazz Band performing in the marquee’s Music Box, which this year was extended to offer a larger cafe-style audience area.

The school choir were joined by the St. Issell’s Church choir for a festive singalong on the harbour decking as darkness fell, with Mr. Odley leading a countdown to the switch-on of the striking lighting feature.

Saturday saw the market in full swing, with traders doing brisk business. The day’s guest chef, Lisa Fearn, served up seasonal fare featured in recipes in her new book, Blas: Taste, and youngsters thoroughly enjoyed taking part in her gingerbread icing workshop.

There was music in and around the marquee from Fiddlebox, with Sam Walters and The Butch Boys entertaining during the afternoon.

Sunday welcomed chef Guy Morris and vocalists Sam Walters and Rosey Cale, as well as a floral arrangement demonstration by The Flower Girls.

The weekend also featured a display by Pembrokeshire Falconry and children’s rides, with Santa’s Grotto welcoming over 250 children.

The three lucky winners in the grand market draw were Linda Davies, Cresselly; Gareth Hunt, Saundersfoot; and Allison James, Maesteg. They took home hampers filled with goodies donated by stallholders and Saundersfoot Chamber for Tourism members.

Added Mr. Odley: “The weekend has been a really good start to Christmas in Saundersfoot, and we’re now looking forward to the New Year’s Eve celebrations with the fireworks display arranged by the Chamber and sponsored by Saundersfoot Community Council, followed by the New Year’s Day Swim.”