Santa draws a big crowd to the street

Santa came to town on Sunday to open Living Lerwick’s third winter festival, to the delight of hundreds of young spectators.

Commercial Street was thronged with expectant folk who saw him walk up the street ringing a bell, just as it was getting dark.

Shortly afterwards, at 3.30pm, he returned on a quad, festively decked with tinsel and followed a trailer-full of excited youngsters from Peerie Foxes nursery. As they travelled down the street the Christmas lights above them were illuminated.

Children were hoisted onto their parents’ shoulders to see the spectacle, which progressed slowly along the street, followed by the Jarl’s Squad in full regalia. “It’s good, it’s nothing to be scared of,” said three-year-old Hunter Kelsey, who likes Vikings but was not sure about Santa.

Christmas would not be complete without music, and the brass band performed splendid renditions of Good King Wenceslas, Hark the Herald Angels Sing and Jingle Bells, among other carols and festive music.

The street and the Esplanade, where the procession moved to, became full as lots of young families followed the festive throng. And the switching on of the strings of white lights by Peerie Foxes signalled that, on the first Sunday in Advent, the Christmas season is really here.

Harrison Square was a venue in its own right, with music from 1pm adding to the atmosphere. The mild calm conditions meant a good turnout, and crowds grew thicker as the night darkened and the giant Christmas tree was illuminated.

• More, including a selection of photographs, in The Shetland Times 5th December.