Guisborough held its annual Christmas festival on Tuesday evening when Santa and his sleigh came to town and rode along the main street, Westgate, pulled by two reindeer and accompanied by two llamas.

Prior to the parade, Santa had been in his grotto at Sunnyfield House. After the parade, children were able to visit the reindeer in their paddock at Sunnyfield House, and the llamas – Rameses and Loco – outside the front.

During the parade, many young people joined in the march behind Santa, including a large contingent from Guisborough Rugby Club.

The Northern Echo: Llamas Loco and Rameses in their pen on Westgate after the parade

In the front garden of Sunnyfield House, there was an owl display to entertain the crowds and, on Westgate, there were entertainers, mixing with a crowd of several hundred. There were rides available on a mini-roundabout, plus various street merchants, including face painters, balloon modellers and street magicians, with traders selling all sorts of dazzling items for the children.

The Northern Echo: The Elf (Andrew Hixon) leading the children on the Guisborough parade

Three Guisborough town councillors distributed candy bars to children, whilst in pantomime dress.

The Northern Echo: Santa in his sleigh on the parade in Guisborough

In Chaloner Street, a Cleveland Fire Brigade engine was present, allowing children to visit the cab. Also, in Chaloner Street and Mews were street entertainers and musicians. In the entrance to Morrisons supermarket in Westgate Mews, Guisborough Salvation Army Band played Christmas music, and there was a craft fair with refreshments in the adjoining Methodist Church Hall.

The Northern Echo: From left, Town Councillor Jayne Barnard as the Candy Cane Lady, Cllr Nick Farden as Frosty the Snowman, and Cllr Andrew Hixon as the Elf on the Shelf, distributing candy bars to the children

Many of the shops and cafes remained open to service the crowds who came to the festival. During the event, Westgate was closed to traffic and buses had to be rerouted.