THE Bude late night shopping event last Friday was a ‘magical’ evening, according to a certain man in red.

Father Christmas himself has told of how much he enjoyed the recent Bude late night shopping event, last Friday.

He was visited by over 100 children in his grotto, listening to what they would like for Christmas this year and giving out some special gifts.

He said: “I didn’t see much of the shopping event itself, as I was very busy in the grotto this year, with 120 children coming to see me!

“But it was a brilliant evening. Of course, it all started with the Bude Tunnel opening, which was absolutely amazing. Then there was the procession through the town. It was truly magical.”

Despite the atrocious weather conditions that forced the cancellation of some events, Bude Rotary Club’s traditional Santa procession through town went ahead as usual, accompanied by a large crowd no doubt encouraged by the free chocolates on offer.

On arrival at Chadd’s Yard he was greeted by the president of the club, Alan Rainsley, and several of his fellow Rotarians dressed in Victorian costume as well as many young children anxious to discuss their Christmas wish list with Father Christmas.

Alan said: “One hundred and twenty or more waited patiently and managed to see him — and collect a free selection box as an early Christmas present. Together with traditional carols led by the town band and some delicious hot punch a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all, despite the weather!”

Once he arrived at his grotto, Father Christmas was then greeted by over 100 excited children, who were ready to tell him all their wishes for the big day this year.

Provided by the Rotary Club of Bude, chocolate boxes were handed out to children and the spirit of Christmas was at an all time high, of which was a great delight to the famous man with the big white beard.

Father Christmas said: “Overall, everything was a huge success. It was so nice to see so many people turn out.”

The Bude Chamber of Commerce worked with Light Up Bude and the Rotary Club of Bude, who provided the grotto and procession. Father Christmas also noted how important it was to get local shops and businesses involved in the event, and was delighted to see the town come together as a whole to revel in Christmas cheer.

A highlight for Father Christmas this year was seeing the coming together of local families and children, having been approached by one little girl who was missing her grandmother.

“What was very special for me was having a little girl come to the grotto and ask me to bring back her Gran, Gran for Christmas. It was then that her sister told her to look up at the sky and the stars, and that would be her Gran, Gran looking down on her,” he told the Post.

As well as the grotto, a variety of Bude shops were open for business, the Bude Tunnel was lit up for the whole country to see as it appeared in national news, Light Up Bude’s efforts to provide the town with a touch of festive sparkle was achieved and people were able to enjoy the carols and music echoing through the town.