IT WAS a different type of Saturday at The Strand Centre this weekend.

Shoppers and passers-by were treated to songs by the renowned High Cs choir.

Their al fresco musical performance was arranged by Dawlish mayor Cllr Val Mawhood.

She said: ‘We’ve had a couple of relatively rotten Christmases due to covid, so this was a way to get people into the festive spirit.

‘The choir sang a selection of Christmas songs and carols and people loved it.

‘So many came up to me and said how much they enjoyed it.’

During the morning the Strand Centre cafe did a brisk trade in refreshments including mince pies and mulled wine, while the regular antiques market went ahead inside, to a backdrop of music from the choir.

The musical treat was a prelude to the afternoon event.

Once the market had finished the coast was clear for the real event of the day… the mayor’s children’s Christmas party.

Nearly 40 children were able to enjoy an afternoon of fun including party food, face painting, games and entertainment from magician Brian Hodge.

Cllr Mawhood said: ‘Brian kept all the children enthralled with his magic, even producing a white rabbit during one trick which was the high point.’

To round off the day Father Christmas paid a visit. Assisted by one of his elves and Rudolph the reindeer, he made sure every child received a Christmas gift.

‘We normally hold the party on the day of the lights switch-on,’ Cllr Mawhood said. ‘But the youngsters tended to be a bit too tired to enjoy it.

‘This year we held it as a separate occasion and it as a great success.

‘We’ve certainly spread a bit of much needed Christmas cheer,’ she added.