Wells Christmas Tide Festival

Despite the wet weather, a fantastic festival - even Father Christmas wasn't put off by the rain!

As we walk towards Staithe Street we can hear Christmas music from BellFolk - a handbell ringers group who’re playing Away in a Manger. You can’t help but stop and listen. As a crowd gathers I overhear Laura, who’s here with her family, say, “It’s a beautiful sound.

“This is my husband Anthony and our 5 year old daughter Robyn, we’re here with a big group of friends from Stamford, it’s now become a tradition and we love it.”

And what’s not to love. There’s music throughout the day, crafts for sale, plenty of lovely places to get something to eat and a hot drink. Which if I’m honest, with the rainy weather, those pitstops are needed!

As we continue up Staithe Street, we’re met by a robot who's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and giving the odd high five. There’s also bagpipes playing, bagpiper Dave Harper says he’s done the festival for several years, “It’s always good fun, a good crowd and there’s lots going on.”

I meet 5 year old Talia, who’s had her face painted, “It’s a reindeer,” she tells me, “I’m ready to meet Santa now.”  And 3 year old Sophia who’s standing waiting for a balloon with her brother George says, “I’ve got my Christmas dress on for Santa.” 

He’s due to arrive around 6, taking time out of his busy schedule to make an appearance.

As we head to look at some crafts at The Maltings, I chat to Sally Anne Smith, “I’m a volunteer - but my dad is one of the organisers, I live in Hampshire but come to support him. For me it’s the start of Christmas, I love it, it’s where Christmas begins for me, I’ve got all emotional now!”

And I have to agree, before I arrived I wasn’t really feeling festive. But that’s all changed.

Father Christmas and his angels

Despite the rain and cold, crowds gather later for the Christmas lights switch on, the lantern parade and then the main event - Santa’s arrival. And, like every year, he does it in style, by boat at the quayside escorted by a flotilla of illuminated vessels.

You can feel the excitement, which is simply wonderful - especially at this time of year. There are children on adults shoulders, keen to get a glimpse of the main man. 

Image Brad Damms

It ends with a fantastic fireworks display over the marshes.

The Christmas Tide Committee, who put together the event, says, “What a day. Wet, cold, windswept and yet unforgettable, because of the people who showed up.

“A very special thank you to Father Christmas and his angels for taking time out of the busiest season to be here with us and bring smiles to so many faces.”

It was mine and my daughter’s first tide festival - and it definitely won’t be our last.