The crowd that had been building in the Royal Square from 5 pm, eagerly awaiting the launch of La Fête dé Noué, was entertained by a magic show, school choirs and street entertainers.
By the time two parades of festive floats and members of the public, led by marching bands from Howard Davis Park and the Millennium Town Park – where public entertainment was also to be enjoyed from dusk – reached the square, it was so packed that the crowds spilled over into surrounding streets.
Earlier, Santa had set off from the Town Park in his sleigh, to the delight of hundreds of parishioners who had gathered for the occasion.
As the parade made its way to the centre of town, many followed to join the thousands already waiting in the Royal Square.
The biggest cheer of the evening in the square came when Father Christmas, in his sleigh led by two reindeers, arrived outside the Royal Court building just after 6 pm.
More pictures: Pages 18-19 in Friday’s JEP.
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