Old Town Christmas festival

But Old Town Preservation Society took a leaf from the carol and the Old Town Christmas festival was a success despite the weather.

Parents and children queued around two sides of Manor Gardens' water-logged rose garden for the chance to see Santa's real reindeer munching hay in the Cloisters.

So many turned out on Saturday morning to see the magnificently-whiskered old gentleman ride in state down Church Street in his sleigh that police had to restrain the crowds.

As Preservation Society committee member Peter Mitchell-Davis put it on Sunday '“ which proved much drier but equally cold - "I think the real heroes are the public for turning out."

Hard-working Society secretary Pauline Bullock had nearly lost her voice by Sunday morning. But she too summed up the spirit of the weekend.

Her husband, Society treasurer Stanley Bullock, was on duty in the marquee erected in the car park to provide all-weather cover for the dry ski run which was, again, a popular feature with youngsters.

Pauline said: "We had to put sandbags round the marquee yesterday to stop the water running right through it!

"We have never had to do that before. But it has worked!"

She too was delighted by the support given the event by the public.

Coughing her way valiantly through Sunday, she told the Observer: "Yesterday was quite good despite the weather.

"As we came down Church Street to Manor Gardens there were police holding back the crowd. We were delighted to see so many peeople."

The Society had plenty to offer those who attended.

Throughout the weekend, Bexhill Children's Centre filled Manor Barn with indoor activities for the many youngsters.

They could guess the name of the reindeer. They could build up a model reindeer antler by antler. They could have their faces painted in support of the Friends of Surestart; indulge in messy play or watch the entertainment.

Saturday's performance of the traditional Swedish Santa Lucia moved indoors out of the rain. Dancers from the school gave a well-received display as did Dance Moves and the Lacey Arts Dancers.

The carol-singing which has long been a popular feature of the Old Town Christmas Festival also moved from the Rose Garden to Manor Barn.

The choir of St Peter's Church led the singing of a succession of favourite carols, with Hooe Village Band providing the music.

Circus entertainer Andy Bosco was master of ceremonies for the weekend, providing non-stop fun for the visitors.

Huge soap bubbles soared over the flooded Rose Garden and the roof of the Cloisters on Sunday morning as he kept children amused as they queued to see the reindeer and to have their photographs taken with Father Christmas by Sue Jackson from The Studio at Bexhill Photograhpic.

King Offa were back on Sunday afternoon to perform their nativity play.

On Sunday morning it was dancers from St Peter and St Paul Church of England Primary School who provided the dance entertainment in Manor Barn.

Those braving the wet and the chill had plenty of opportunity to warm themselves. Manor Barn provided a constant stream of light refreshments.

In the car park there was a choice between hot roasted chestnuts and toasted marshmallow.

Bexhill Carnival Court girls gave their support to a weekend which combined seasonal tradition with fun '“ and not a little British stoicism.

As committee member Eric Armstrong said: "When you think of the debacle that was the Lapland promotion in the New Forest. That was 25 a head. Ours is free'¦."