THE wet weather did little to dampen people’s spirits at this year’s Dorchester Christmas Cracker.

The event started with a carol service in St Peter’s Church, followed by performances from the Rock Choir in Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Retailers also opened for late night shopping, a variety of food and gift stalls lined the streets and a festive craft fayre took place in the Corn Exchange.

The Lantern Parade left Brewery Square at 5.45pm, led by Town Crier Alistair Chisholm who guided the procession through South Street, ending at St Peter’s Church on High West Street.

Families of all ages braved the weather to participate in the parade, proudly presenting their lanterns that had been made during workshops at Dorset County Museum.

Dr. Jon Murden, director at Dorset County Museum, added: “Being able to host the lantern crafting workshops was so much fun for all the family and a great chance to showcase our current touring museum at Brewery Square. We had over 75 children participate in the workshop and it was fabulous to see them all come to life lit up in the parade.”

The lantern parade was organised by Dorset County Museum and Dorchester Arts with funding from Brewery Square, Dorchester Bid and Dorchester Town Council.

Dorchester’s Christmas lights were then switched on outside St. Peter’s Church by everyone’s favourite cuddly bear from deepest, darkest Peru, courtesy of Julia’s House.

Mayor of Dorchester David Taylor said: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen on this dry, sunny evening in Dorchester. I’m hoping you enjoy yourself. I’m glad to see the crowds have come out, it’s fantastic. Anyway, we have much to do, we’ve got to put on the lights. But first I’d like to say we hope you have a prosperous period and a Merry Christmas.”

Steve Bulley, Chairman of the Christmas Cracker Committee, hailed the event a success.

He said: “We are really lucky the people of Dorchester always come out and support the cracker event, despite the rain. To have more than 3,000 people watching a bear switch on the lights is phenomenal. It is the first time we have done the lantern parade in three years and we had great help from both Dorchester Arts and the county museum. It’s brilliant to see so many people in the parade and we’re hoping to bring it back next year.”

Traders said it was great to see so many people in Dorchester.

Barney Jones was serving hot mulled wine in the evening.

He said: “This is the last Christmas event for us this year. We have been to Weymouth, Bridport and now we're in Dorchester. This has been the busiest one of all three. We thought it might not be busy because of the weather, but plenty of people have come out for it.”

Dawn Gerring of Hillside Farm Cheese said: “People absolutely love cheese and we have a lot of a tasters available, so people can have a taste before they buy. We will now be here every day until Christmas.”

Dorset Police were also present at the event with Bravo the Dog.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We’re here doing engagement work and meeting with the public to give them crime prevention advice in the run up to Christmas.

“Brave the Dog is here with us today. Children can sometimes be scared of the police, so Bravo helps to break those barriers.”

Gill Carpenter, a resident, said: “we haven’t been for a few years. I think it’s really good, but it’s a shame about the weather. There’s lots of people so it’s been really well support. A lot of school children in the lantern parade which is nice, it’s a really great idea.”

The sponsor of this year’s event was Kingston Maurward College.