FATHER Christmas took time out of his busy schedule for Ringwood's annual festive spectacular at the weekend.

During the day, there was a Christmas market, funfair and street entertainment with Santa meeting young visitors in his Grotto.

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Visitors were also able to join in with Christmas carols on the live music stage and watch a performance by the Rock Choir.

Then at 5pm, Father Christmas left the Gateway in a horse drawn carriage before making his way to the Market Place where he switched on the town's Christmas illuminations which even featured fake snow.