A few evening showers didn’t keep the crowds away from wrapping up and celebrating for Greytown’s opening night to the Festival of Christmas on Saturday.
The town was buzzing with the air of Christmas and will be for the next month of organised markets, light shows, food and drink events and more.
Event manager Rachael Fletcher said it was difficult to gauge how many people were there, but was delighted with the turnout.
“It was by far the biggest crowd we’ve had,” she said.
“Significantly bigger than any previous winter festival night, people arrived early in the afternoon, and the crowds just continued to build.”
Fletcher said the event got very lucky with the weather. “Strong winds were forecast for the afternoon and they just didn’t come.”
The fireworks display was a huge hit with the families, as was the snow machine outside the Town Hall and the huge light projections on Main St’s buildings.
Fletcher said it was special to hear people cheering after the fireworks display and while the snow machine was running.
“It bodes well for the month. We’re excited to be able to welcome people here, and it just shows that this kind of festival is alive and well in the hearts
and souls of people.”
Businesses along Main St adorned their window displays and balconies with lights and wreaths, joined by many nearby properties in Greytown.
This was a result of the “massive combined effort” to get the event underway, Fletcher said
Marketing manager at Destination Wairarapa Barb Hyde agreed there was an incredible turnout.
“People came from early in the day and there was a real sense of anticipation,” she said.
A full schedule of events can be found online at
www.greytownvillage.com.
