Connaught@Christmas runs from Friday, December 9 until Sunday 18, and features a free Christmas Food and Craft Village with more than 30 stalls in the Manor Road car park which is open between 4pm and 9pm.

Connaught Gardens itself has been transformed into a wonderland of colourful lighting and festive themes, featuring an illuminated trail. This is ticketed and costs £9.50 for adults, and £5 for children 3-14, whilst infants go free. The illuminated trails open at 4.30pm with last entry at 8pm. Visitors are welcome to stay as long as they wish to enjoy the gardens.

Connaught@Christmas launched on Friday, December 9 to an enthusiastic reception from visitors and stallholders alike. Charlotte Norton of Van Vino, which offers mulled wine and non-alcoholic Jingle Juice said: “An event like this really brings the Sidmouth community and visitors together. It's lovely to see everyone enjoying the food and shopping and getting into the festive spirit.”

Grace Storry of Exmouth-based Kilimanjaro candles said: “It's very well-organised and the marquee has such a warm, friendly atmosphere. I'm delighted to be here.”

The craft stalls are based in the marquee and offer a wide range of items including soaps, foodie and alcohol gifts, driftwood art and jewellery. Something Lovely pottery has tables where children and adults can decorate a Christmas ornament to take home with them, with prices starting at £2. There is both indoor and outdoor seating for visitors to enjoy food and drink. Food traders include those offering pizza, dim sum, coffee and cakes.

The illuminated trail in Connaught Gardens was breathtaking. The trees and walkways were lit up with multicoloured illuminations and lights were even cast down onto Jacob's Ladder beach and out to the rock groynes.

Sidmouth Town band played Christmas carols and Santa was welcoming families in his snowy Christmas garden. “It's wonderful to be in such a beautiful setting,” he said, “and to see the joy in the faces of the children who still believe.”

Sisters Charlotte and Laura Deacon from Basingstoke said they were delighted with the various displays: “We came last year and loved it but this year it's even better with new features like the colourful balls on the lawn and the Christmas trees covered in snow.”

David Welsh from Sidmouth said: “Visiting the illuminated gardens is a truly magical experience, and we're impressed by all the hard work that's gone into creating them.”