Port Solent celebrated a spectacular weekend at its annual Festival of Christmas, held on 9th and 10th December.
The event drew an impressive total of nearly 30,000 visitors over the weekend, with 17,000 attendees on Saturday and 13,000 on Sunday, making it record-breaking with 2,000 more visitors compared to the previous year.
The Festival of Christmas, known for its enchanting atmosphere and festive offerings, showcased seasonal street entertainment, heartwarming music, and over 100 market stalls – all conveniently under cover, providing a delightful shopping experience.
The Christmas market featured a diverse array of handcrafted goods and gifts, ensuring visitors found the perfect presents for their loved ones.
The weekend not only delighted attendees, but also made a positive impact on the bands and artists who performed, for many charitable causes from generous donations from the public.
Port Solent’s Lisa Fowler expressed her enthusiasm for the record-breaking weekend: "The Festival of Christmas was the perfect day out for families and friends to enjoy some festive entertainment and seasonal shopping. We had more market stalls than ever this year, and as we’re the only market that’s entirely under cover, the visitors could relax and browse, whatever the weather!"
The weekend featured a diverse line-up of performers, including The Igloo Band, Salvation Army Band, Warsash Band, Theatre Arts Kids and entertainment from the Two Wise Men, the Christmas Pudding and a Festive Fairy. The Creation Station also offered lots of fun for little ones, with face glitter, reindeer food and decoration making.
Sunday's entertainment included The Pitch Pipers, The Fine Voice Choir, Pompey Pluckers, The Squirrels, The Wish Elf and Sign for Fun.
The festivities don’t end there at Port Solent. There’s plenty of fun to be had throughout December including its Christmas Carols on the Boardwalk fundraising event with the Portsmouth Salvation Army Band and Portsmouth Baroque Choir. This event will take place from 6:30pm on Wednesday 20th December and a collection will take place on behalf of the Salvation Army.
Check out all the photos from the Festival of Christmas here.
