The festive season was in full swing in Sidmouth at the end of last week, with several Christmassy events taking place..

Friday, December 1 was late night shopping evening in the town centre, with many businesses staying open until 8pm for people buying Christmas presents. They were entertained by Sidmouth Gospel Choir.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Gospel Choir at the Parish Church

Tiffany Leach, of Hummingbird and Kingfisher Cards & Gifts, said: "Late night shopping was a fantastic event and we were very busy. We really appreciate local people and visitors who support our independent shops. Thank you so much, we wouldn't be here without you and we hope you had a wonderful night!"

Sidmouth Herald: Tiffany Leach of Hummingbird and Kingfisher Cards & GiftsMeanwhile, a Festival of Cribs took place at St Teresa's Church Hall on Friday. Parishioners of the Catholic Church of the Most Precious Blood lent their nativity scenes for the event.

Sidmouth Herald: Festival of Cribs in SidmouthThe festival has been running for 12 years and the current one was organised by social committee co-ordinator Jill McGauley and her daughter Emma.

Jill said: “It's truly lovely to display so many different nativity scenes. Some have been in families for generations, and there are also cribs from all over the world, including Germany and Tanzania.”

It was a popular event, with refreshments available. Some visitors came especially for the festival whilst for many others it was part of Sidmouth's late night shopping experience.

Jill said: “We find visitors really enjoy looking at the different cribs, and the event also offers the opportunity for reflection and prayer, if wished.”

Sidmouth Herald: Lucia Cooper at the Festival of Cribs

Parishioner Lucia Cooper said, “Everyone has a story to tell about their crib, and the Festival of Cribs brings people together at a very special time of year.”

Sidmouth Herald: Ellis Bates of Jelli at the Kennaway House craft fairOver at Kennaway House there was a Christmas Extravaganza on Friday, December 1 and Saturday 2. It featured a Christmas Craft Fair and live Christmas music. Children had the chance to decorate gingerbread biscuits and take part in a scavenger hunt. Refreshments including mince pies and mulled wine were available from the Christmas tearoom.

Santa found time in his hectic schedule to visit Kennaway House on Saturday afternoon. He said: “I've enjoyed greeting visitors and helping get everyone into the Christmas spirit. And most importantly, children have been sharing what they'd like to get for Christmas with me, and also putting their lists in our Kennaway House post box. So far I've had requests for Sylvanian families, Lego, dinosaurs and a digger.”

Sidmouth Herald: The Victorian tearoom at Kennaway HouseKennaway House manager Nikki Dawkins said: “It's been such a lovely community Christmas event. The house is looking wonderfully festive and we've had lots of visitors enjoying the wonderful craft show, activities and tearoom.”