THE ‘spirit of Christmas’ was out in force when groups and individuals rallied around to sup- port Weymouth’s only Victorian Shownight.

Scores of people gathered around the stalls and Christmas tree for the Brewers Quay shownight event last night.

The town’s main Victorian Shownight was cancelled earlier this year when organisers said that there was a lack of support.

But Brewers Quay decided to go ahead with its own Victorian Shownight and the guardians of the old town hall also threw open their doors.

Traders and charity stallholders filled Hope Square and visitors were treated to hot food and mulled wine from the borough’s twin town of Holzwickede in Germany.

Brewers Quay director Roger Dalton said: “The weather was fantastic and the support was very good, particularly from our twin town Holzwickede.

“Our Santa’s grotto looked fantastic and we had traders all around the square.

“It’s very important to keep the event going and let’s hope we can kind of motivate people for next year.”

Children’s entertainer Alex Woodward of Funny Face Entertainments gave away free balloon modelling in support of the event.

She said: “I was devastated when I heard that there wasn’t going to be a Victorian Show-night in the town centre this year.

“I’ve been going for years, I used to take my children and now I take my grandchildren.

“I was so amazed when Roger said he was doing this that I wanted to lend my support.

“We need these events in these days of doom and gloom.

“People might be cutting back on spending because of the recession but let’s not cut back on the spirit of Christmas, which is about spending time with family and friends.

“So, well done Roger.”

Susan Jane Smith, 58, of Rodwell, Weymouth, manned the Ladies Alive fundraising group stall with her daughter Alison Wilcocks and granddaughter Alicia, aged six.

She said: “I’m all for this event, the charities have all suffered from a lack of donations.

“I think Brewers Quay have done a wonderful job, I don’t know why Weymouth couldn’t get its act together.”

Young Samuel Jolliffe, aged 10, of Portesham was the first winner of the Chesil Scout Group’s tombola and was really pleased with his pack of Christmas cards.

Manuela Wehr of Holzwickede said: “I’ve been coming to Weymouth for six years and in the past we always had two stalls – one here and one in St Mary Street.

“It’s very good it’s still going on, it’s very nice here.”