VIDEO: A cracker of a Sleaford Christmas Market and Santa Run

Sleaford Christmas Market organisers agree that it was probably the most successful for some time.
Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001
Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001

Sleaford Christmas Market organisers agree that it was probably the most successful for some time.

Leader of the organising committee, Town Councillor Jan Brealeycook, said a lot of work had gone into putting Sunday’s event together and they were already planning for next year having already had stall bookings.

She said: “The stall traders said it was their best day on our market for years. Every shop I went into was busy too and I thank everyone for opening.”

Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001
Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001

Despite a few no-shows due to illness there were stalls in the Market Place, Southgate (where permitted), Money’s Yard and indoor craft fairs in the Town Hall, Riverside Church and Roman Catholic Church Hall.

Coun Brealeycook said: “Everyone really got involved. The town hall was packed all day and we will endeavour to promote that area better next year.”

Entertainers kept the festive spirit going all over town with the Angels Dance Troupe being a highlight for Coun Brealeycook.

Fine weather kept people browsing all day and saw the Market Place filled for the switch-on of the improved Christmas lights after the Christingle service. Coun Brealeycook hoped to extend the illuminations even further to other streets.

Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001
Sleaford Santa Run. L-R Neil Lamont, Rob Castle, Paul Sanderson, Colin Frost, Paul Franks, Jay Roffey. EMN-161128-124041001

The day had been kicked off well with the fantastic Sleaford Santa Run, organised by David Marshall of Total Sports and Supplements. He said there were 274 Santa-suited runners that ran and walked the 3km course around the town raising £977.50 for Rainbow Stars support group for families of children with autism and other learning disabilities.

He said: “I am vry pleased how it went, a great addition this year with the Sleaford All-Knighters scooter club leading the runners en route. We had the Help the Heroes bear as well as the Real santa taking part.

“All proceeds are going to Rainbow Stars for autistic children to buy Christmas presents to be given by Santa at their Christmas party and also towards a trip they have planned next year.”

He added: “ON running kindly donated a pair of trainers for the male and female winner and every runner got free coffee and mince pies at the Barge & Bottle. With the help of our loyal sponsors Total Sports & Supplements, Aurora Training & Security, K&M Landscapes, the Grange Spa, PC Hut we have raised over £977 for Rainbow Stars.”

There were families, children, babies and dogs all dressed up. First across the line was wheelchair athlete Joel James who actually overtook some of the cavalcade of scooter riders from Sleaford All-Knighters Club. First male home was Andrew Stevens, first female Emily Foran. First boy was Connor Nutley.