Pulborough kicks off Christmas by following a star

Organised by the local churches, St Mary’s School and the Pulborough Community Partnership ‘Led by a star’ took place on Friday.

The event was sponsored by telecommunications company TalkTalk.

Christmas songs were sung by players on the walk along Lower Street to the main event outside the Village Hall.

There they were greeted by a festive stage as singers and choirs from throughout the village led onlookers in traditional carols and songs.

Andy Leese, who coordinated the evening, said: “We wanted to create a community event which celebrates the true meaning of Christmas. It’s been a great success and we hope this will be the start of an annual tradition in the village. We’d like to thank everyone who has helped us, especially TalkTalk.”

Pulborough mum of three Laura Batchelor said: ”I think it was a fabulous event with a really nice atmosphere, and it’s lovely to see the village out and about in the evening at Christmas time.”

Nine-year old Jodie Banks, a member of St. Mary’s School choir added: ”It’s a really fun way to start Christmas. It’s very friendly and nice that the whole village has got together.”

To end the evening Santa paid a visit on a sparkling horse drawn carriage accompanied by elves, who distributed gifts of sweets and chocolates.

The local Tesco and Sainsbury’s supermarkets, Hennings Wine Merchants, Four Seasons Greengrocers and Anna Lord also helped to support the evening.