SINGING, dancing and Santa Claus himself got revellers into the Christmas spirit at a festival in St John’s Church on Friday.

Families flocked to the church with their little ones to sing carols, browse the stalls, have waffles and coffee and visit jolly old St Nick.

Choirs from Goddard Park Primary, Holy Family Primary, Crowdys Hill and Oaktree schools filled the air with song.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland also showed off his singing skills while Mayor Maureen Penny and former Labour Parliamentary candidate Sarah Church joined the Christmas community choir.

Dancers from Teresa School Of Dance, Hot Steppers and Lawn Manor Academy also entertained visitors

A Christmas blessing by the Rev Linda Fletcher, followed by a raffle and a dance to Christmas hits, brought the day to a close.

Martina Lewis, who organised the Christmas Festival, was happy to see months of planning come to fruition.

She said: “It’s been a manic day but it’s been great, the church is heaving with people.

“Everybody’s come together to enjoy the festive feel.

“They’ve all put something into the event and we’ve even had a bit of snow.“Every child has been given a booklet of Christmas stories and a candy cane.”

Michelle Caroll set up a stall selling upcycled products made from recycled material.

She said: “It’s been very busy. schools have come in from all over Swindon to perform. The singing was wonderful, they did very well and Martina’s done a very good job with this."