Evening shopping gets under way with special visit

THOUSANDS of people lined the streets of Truro as Santa and his reindeer heralded the start of the late-night shopping season last Wednesday.

Families from all over Cornwall thronged the pavements and dipped in and out of shops, bars and restaurants which kept their doors open after dark.

Reindeer handler Emily Singleton.
Crowds waiting for the reindeer to arrive.
Reindeer arriving in Truro, outside the cathedral. Pictures: Cameracraft
Santa with the crowds in Victoria Square.
Six-year-old Alana, from Grampound, talks to Santa.
Some of Santa's little helpers, left to right: Mark Bende, Lisa Barber, Cassie Rossall, all volunteers.
Some of the members of the cast of Cinderella take time off from the ball to watch the visit of Santa and the reindeer.

The day's persistent drizzle gave way to a warm clear evening as the six reindeer were herded into their makeshift pen in Victoria Square.

And delighted children watched Father Christmas joined them and set off under an hour later.

Moments beforehand he had entertained children's art competition winner Alice Churchill, nine, from Lanner, and her seven-year-old brother Samuel, before they rode along in his sleigh.

Sponsored by Malletts Home Hardware, the herd then followed a marching band through the closed city streets, making a loop around the Christmas tree in High Cross before taking in Boscawen Street and Lemon Quay.

Once back in the square, families watched them enjoy a much-deserved snack, especially charmed by a pair of cute calfs.

Street entertainment and refreshments also kept spirits high.

Malletts store manager Sid Weeks said: "It was very successful.

"We at Malletts like to help put the tradition back into Christmas and Father Christmas and the reindeer proved so popular last year we wanted to repeat it.

"We're highly delighted with the way it went."

Late-night shopping continues over the next few Wednesday evenings, with various markets and events to add to the festive feel.

Log on to www.thisiscornwall.co.uk to see a slide show and video of the evening.