FAMILIES from near and far headed to Helensburgh last weekend to enjoy some cracking Christmas celebrations at the town’s seventh annual Winter Festival.

The festive fun took place over Saturday and Sunday as elves, penguins and even the cast of Frozen enjoyed the sunny, but chilly, outdoor events.

Around 320 brave Santas took part in a dash through the town, while those disappointed at the absence of their favourite carousel on Sunday still had plenty of other activities to keep them entertained, including singing and dancing performances on stage, bungee jump trampolines and of course traditional sweet treats.

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A statement on the organisers’ Facebook page after the event said: “We are absolutely cream-crackered now, but we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this weekend the best ever Winter Festival!

“To all the volunteers, the clubs and groups, schools, local businesses, stallholders – those who come back and support us every year, and our new stallholders who we hope will come back again, and most of all to the public who came out in their droves over the weekend – without you, this weekend wouldn’t be possible.”

“Thank you all and have a wonderful Christmas."

If you feel like giving constructive feedback on this year’s festival, you can take part in a completely anonymous online survey – click here to participate.

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