Mayor Simon Murray was impressed not only with crowd numbers, but also the number of store holders and its multicultural aspect. The festivities took place in the street space of a little over a block.

He thought it was a brilliant event, and pleased there was more than adequate space on the western end of the Mall for any expansion from any increased interest by future store holders. 

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“I would have thought the store holders had done a roaring trade,” he said.

“That should draw more store holders in and I think it will most probably continue expanding. I’d say it was even better than last year because – bigger crowd I thought.

“Difficult to gauge numbers though, I’d say it was quite a few thousand, but it’s hard.”

Mr Murray said council staff had organised the event.

“It’s all those helpers. It’s the kids of the staff who went in and helped. The staff who came in this morning to remove all the rubbish that’s left behind. 

“The cleaners who have to go and clean the pavers because people had dropped their onions.

“The other thing that was very good was some council staff children were actively involved. Santa’s little elves were a staff member’s children.”

Speaking early in the evening, one of the council orgnaisers Tony Broomfield also thought this year’s event topped last year’s in numbers.

“The weather’s great, and we usually get masses of children who come down for the gifts Santa hands out, and we’re expecting the same this year,” he said.

“We’ve got more stalls here, the shops are open and everybody seems to be having a good time.”