Bude’s annual late night shopping event took place on Friday, December 13. With the weather being typical of Friday the 13th all events in Bude Triangle were cancelled, however that didn’t stop Santa on his sleigh traveling through the town bringing festive joy to the children.

Santa made his way from the Crescent car park, along the Strand, up Belle Vue and back round to the bottom of Queen Street, being greeted by children and families along the route.

There he got out and went into his grotto, kindly supplied by Shed Scene, which had been decorated with drawings from children from both Stratton Primary and Bude Primary schools — over 250 in total!

A winner for each school was identified and will receive a prize for their hard work.

Unfortunately all of the activities on the triangle were cancelled because of the high winds but many of the shops around town opened and received plenty of visitors, who were also making the most of the mince pies that were on offer.

Bude Town Band were heroic and played to accompany the Rotary Club singing carols in Chadds’ yard.

Around 70 children visited Santa this year and went away with their chocolate selection box, donated by the Rotary club of Bude.

Santa told the town’s mayor, Bob Willingham that one little boy, when he was asked what he wanted for Christmas he said: ‘larger portions’, when Bob saw his mother later he mentioned this to her and she said: ‘well it’s a lot better than last year, he asked for a new family!’