Father Christmas was the star attraction on Sunday as Devizes Town Council held its Christmas in Hillworth Park celebration.

Visitors to the free event were able to walk through a winter wonderland that included a snow machine, decorated Christmas trees and an igloo.

More than 250 children visited Father Christmas and his elf helpers in his grotto, with parents enjoying mulled wine and mince pies from the Park Café.

Sarah Williams, direct services manager at Devizes Town Council, said: “It was a really special event to end the year on and Father Christmas was kept very busy.

“A lot of people were surprised that the children could see Father Christmas for free and each child was given a goodie bag containing sweets and a toy.”

There was also a live nativity scene, with park staff dressing up, and after the performance visitors were able to meet the stable animals involved.

Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School provided a musical accompaniment to the nativity, singing traditional and modern carols.

The school also took part last year and the eight children had been rehearsing for the past two months to be ready.

Sheila Jones, headteacher at St Joseph’s, said: “We are really proud of them for giving such a great performance and they have worked so hard.”

Devizes mayor Sarah Bridewell was there and took part in the carol singing with a huge crowd joining in to sing We Wish You A Merry Christmas.

All proceeds from the day went to the mayor’s charity appeal and the event was part of the town council’s programme, subsidised by funding from the Big Lottery.