DOZENS flocked to St John’s Church and upcycle charity Swindon Restore for a special Park South Christmas Festival.

The festivities in Whitbourne Avenue took place from 12pm to 7pm yesterday with the biggest attraction being the 11 Christmas trees donated by local businesses for display.

There were also real Christmas trees for sale after they were donated by Common Farm to the festival.

Organiser Martina Lewis said: “It’s just been fantastic, everbody who said they would come came along and it’s been full since the moment we opened until we finished for the night.

“It’s all gone exactly as I planned. I never thought it would go so well and we’ll definitely be holding another one next year.

“Everything just looked beautiful and the smell of mulled wine and mince pies was just perfect.

“I think the community was thirsty for something like this and there was a need for it. All the community came together to enjoy it and feel a bit Christmassy.

“All it needed on top was a little bit of snow.”

Other attractions at the festival included a nativity stable, a raffle, performances by local choirs, including several schools and a blessing tree.

Visitors were also able to visit Father Christmas in his grotto, and took part in carol singing.