Christmas comes early to Torrington as record crowds enjoy festive fayre

The annual Great Torrington Christmas Fayre has enjoyed a record turnout as locals and visitors began to get into the spirit for the ‘most wonderful time of the year’.

Organisers hailed ‘an amazing turnout’ for a day packed with festive cheer, community spirit and plenty of seasonal sparkle, saying the atmosphere was buzzing across the Pannier Market, Town Hall, local churches, Castle Hill and the Community Centre.

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Visitors enjoyed browsing a huge range of stalls filled with handmade crafts, unique gifts and local products, while mulled wine and cider added the perfect winter touch.

Above: Santa was very busy posing for pictures. Credit: Graham Hobbs

The town’s festive soundtrack came courtesy of the Torrington Silver Band, whose 11am performance outside the Town Hall drew large crowds and plenty of applause.

The ‘big man’ himself, aka Santa, was here there and everywhere to pose for pictures with families, as well as a lively elf or two and there was even a brief appearance by the Grinch.

Above: Torrington Silver Band drew a crowd for their performance outside the Town Hall. Credit: Graham Hobbs

Organiser of the Town Hall part of the event, Lucy Lowe, praised the community for coming together in such strong numbers and said it made this year’s fayre one of the most successful yet.

She added: “A special thank you goes to Graham Hobbs, whose fantastic photography throughout the day captured the spirit, colour, and joy of the event perfectly.

“With so much laughter, music, magic and festive fun, Great Torrington can’t wait to do it all again next year.”

**** See more pictures in the gallery above courtesy of Graham Hobbs ****