SANTA was in town over the weekend as The Gate hosted its first Christmas market since 2019.

With the restrictions in place in the winter of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Gate’s annual Christmas market was unable to go ahead.

However, with restrictions much more relaxed, people were able to attend Ludgate Church on Saturday, December 4, to browse the stalls, meet Santa and also Frozen’s Elsa and Anna thanks to Glitter Faces.

Money raised from the market will go towards various projects at The Gate.

Jilly Guild, chief officer at The Gate, told the Advertiser how great it was to see people young and old enjoy themselves in a fun, festive and safe environment.

She said: “It was really good, lots of people came which was great.

"It was a better turnout than I was imagining with what’s happening with Covid but it was a really good turnout.

“And it was really safe, we followed track and trace rules so it was really safe and everyone seemed to enjoy it and Santa was a big hit.”

With the market unable to go ahead last year, Jilly said people were glad it was back.

“Lots of people were glad to try to get back to normality,” she added.

Santa was obviously a big hit with the kids, as were Elsa and Anna, and Jilly was thrilled the youngsters were able to enjoy themselves.

She continued: “Especially for the kids and the little ones it’s been a year without seeing Santa physically so it was really good.”

Santa gave out chocolate and sweets to the kids and took pictures with them, as well as doing recorded messages for young people who couldn’t be there.

Meanwhile, a fundraising page has been launched for The Gate to redevelop their building and a target of £15,000 has been set.

Visit tinyurl.com/5n6v5zvp to donate.