HUNDREDS of families brought a magical hustle and bustle to the town centre during Stroud Goodwill Evening on Friday.

Excited children were wide-eyed at the Christmas entertainment while parents shopped for presents in the festive stalls. The evening started at 6pm as a crowd waited in the Sub Rooms forecourt in the wintry air to see Father Christmas.

Standing in the balcony beside mayor John Marjoram and MP David Drew, he encouraged children to count down from 10 before switching on the lights.

Some children sat on their parents’ shoulders the see the festivities while others played with balloons and light-up swords and wands.

Then dozens of residents in fancy dress put on masks and lit lanterns to take part in a Venetian procession around town led by Father Christmas.

Simon Packard and Fiona Hill, of Randwick, took part in the procession with children Macey, seven, and Blyth, five.

"It’s become more interactive over the years," said Mr Packard.

"Their friends were in the procession so we joined in.

"We saw a bit of the carols and we saw Father Christmas."

Mr Packard said his children, who took part in a fair at Randwick Primary School on the same day, were particularly excited about seeing Captain Spanner perform on the Sub Rooms forecourt.

Fawkes Place was the hub of entertainment with a ferris wheel, climbing wall, skateboarding, the Rinky Dink cycle-powered sound system and a fire show.

Spectators of the fire show were wowed as young dancers twirled fiery balls on rope around their bodies.

Stroud Has Talent, organised by the SNJ and Riffs, drew huge crowds to the Market Tavern.

Choir group Stroud Song also performed in Venetian costume outside of the Farmers’ market.

"I really enjoyed being there," said member Jenny Blockley, of Amberley.

"It’s good to be behind a mask because nobody knows who you are."

The Christmas stalls in Stroud Farmers’ Market, The Shambles, Cornhill and the Sub Rooms were very popular.

Among the goods on offer were bags, carpets, clothes, jewellery, crockery, wooden crafts, puppets and festive plants.

There was also Turkish delight, home-made puddings, fruit and vegetables.

The SNJ’s mulled wine and mince pie stand also proved very popular with shoppers.