There was plenty of festive cheer in the air as Dorchester’s annual Christmas Cracker event saw thousands flock to the town.

Crowds gathered to watch the skies twinkle as two popular pups from children’s TV programme Paw Patrol switched on the lights, and visitors were treated to late-night shopping.

Plenty of stalls lined the streets selling food, jewellery, crafts, drinks and home-made items, and the Corn Exchange hosted its annual Christmas craft fair throughout the evening. 

There was a special appearance from Father Christmas who took up residence in his grotto at Dorset County Museum, as well as music from the Dorset Rock Choir. 

John Fiori, owner of The Horse With The Red Umbrella Café, and his staff dressed up as Quality Street characters for the event. 

He said: “It’s a great tradition which signals the opening of the Christmas season. It’s lovely, everybody has a fantastic time and we get a lot of our regular customers in. 

“We’ll open until the very end.”

The streets glittered as children brought specially made lanterns for a parade from the Top o’ Town, and both St Peter’s Church and Holy Trinity church served mulled wine and mince pies for those wanting to get out of the cold. 

Chris and Angie Nowell travelled from Milborne St Andrew for the festivities. 

Angie said: “It’s a really lovely thing, it’s great for the town. It’s nice that the shops are open late to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.”