IT is the Hampshire high street that came together to launch a fairytale Christmas.
Around two thousand people flocked to Bishop's Waltham last night to celebrate the market town's first Christmas fayre since its success in a national high street award.
The medieval town glittered in the evening cold with live nativity, reindeer, a Santa's grotto and festive food and drink.
Children sang carols to a packed square and shops opened late to celebrate the town's booming independent business on its biggest day of the year.
This year saw huge demand from local people looking to sell their handiwork on the streets. Around 30 stalls were given over to amateur traders and local charities.
No firm was left behind as residents shopped late for everything from festive gifts to dishwashers and televisions.
Emma Bondsfield, of the Luvvit Want It boutique, said the high street's growth meant people could do an entire Christmas shop with small local traders.
"This shows why we were runners up in the Great British High Street," she said.
"It really brings the community together - Bishop's Waltham is unique."
The town beat the odds to be named Britain's second best market town in the Great British High Street Awards last month.
Ms Bondsfield raffled off a life-size doll raising hundreds of pounds for Royal Hampshire County Hospital's Northbrook Ward, where her niece Libby is being treated for leukaemia.
Even financial worries and vandals breaking lights on the Christmas tree couldn't dampen spirits as traders worked tirelessly to ensure the market ran smoothly.
PCSO Sarah McCulloch said police were investigating damage done to the huge Christmas tree, thought to be intentional.
Businesses and residents alike hope community spirit will ensure a glittering high street is not just for Christmas.
Debbie Walker, organiser and owner of The Coffee House in the High Street, said the town runs events throughout the year to keep locals coming back She said: "It's the event that kicks off the Christmas atmosphere in Bishop's Waltham.
"It's got the children singing, it's got the reindeer...it's a great evening for the local community."
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