Port Solent welcomes 27,500 visitors to its Festival of Christmas

Port Solent welcomes 27,500 visitors to its Festival of Christmas

Twenty seven thousand five hundred people wrapped up warm and visited Port Solent to eat, drink, pick up gorgeous gifts and feel the Christmas cheer at its annual Festival of Christmas.

The festival included more than 90 market stalls, seasonal food and drink, live music and festive entertainment which was enjoyed by thousands from the region.

Visitors were treated to live music from Portsmouth-based ukulele group The Pompey Pluckers, U3A Singing for Pleasure Choir, Fine Voice Choir and singers from Spinnaker Chorus, as well as street theatre from Comedy Elves and David Crofts Balloons.

Sunday saw even more live music performances, including a Christmas singalong with Igloo Music Choir and very special performances from Round the edges and Portsmouth City Band. Plus, street theatre from The Squirrels and balloon modelling from Graham Lee.

Children could also meet Santa at Port Solent on both days of the event in his underground grotto.

The popular Christmas market which saw a 10 per cent increase in visitors from 2018, with Lisa Fowler, events and Marketing co-ordinator at Port Solent, saying: 

“The visitors numbers for this year were fantastic and shows more and more people are loving the mix of what’s on offer at the Festival of Christmas. We had some fantastic live music this year which was a lovely way to get people singing along and truly in the Christmas spirit while they shopped for Christmas presents for loved ones.”

Port Solent’s first wreath making workshops, an extension to the Festival of Christmas, still have a few places remaining this weekend on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December.

The sessions of 10-12 people are £35.00 per person and includes all the materials, expertise on how to make the wreath and decorate it. Hot drinks and refreshments will also be provided at the workshops being held in the former Bookends unit just inside the entrance to Port Solent.

Email info@portsolent.com for current availability.