Last updated at 14:49, Tuesday, 04 December 2012

GRANGE was transformed into a winter wonderland at the weekend as the town got the festive period off to a bright start.

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The second annual Christmas Extravaganza attracted people from far and wide to mark the upcoming yuletide celebrations.

A jam-packed schedule of activities throughout Saturday culminated in the traditional lighting of the Grange Christmas tree in the evening.

Thirty-two businesses participated in the celebration – either by hosting events themselves or offering discounts to early-bird Christmas shoppers.

Santa set himself up in an igloo-themed grotto to take present requests from children and reindeers were on hand to add that extra festive feel.

A street magician wowed crowds with his variety of tricks and shoppers were left surprised by the appearance of Zumba dancers. The Royal British Legion Club put on a German beer garden and there was a barbecue serving hot food.

Tracy Hathorn, from the Grange Chamber of Trade, said organisers were delighted with the turnout.

“It was a really nice day and we’ve had lots of good feedback from locals,” she said. “It was definitely bigger this year and there was a lot of excitement about it.

“We were hoping to get people to come to Grange and start their Christmas shopping, as well as just giving locals the chance to go out and do something fun.”

Mrs Hathorn said the organising committee was confident the event would return next year even bigger and better.

First published at 12:29, Tuesday, 04 December 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk