Cliftonville traders and residents joined forces for a colourful Christmas celebration.

The Winter Community Event, organised by the Cliftonville Partnership, was officially opened by the Mayor of Margate, Cllr Ted Watt-Ruffell, and featured a packed programme of festive fun and games.

A Santa's grotto and snow machine set the seasonal scene and activities included carol singing, face painting and African drumming.

Performers included the City of Canterbury Band, Thanet Concert Brass Band, rock guitarist Fiorenzo Forlani, guitarist and vocalist Richard Headingley and street entertainers from Kent Circus School.

Schoolchildren from Holy Trinity and St John's Primary, Haddon Dene and Drapers Mill Primary sang a medley of Christmas favourites, while St Paul's Church provided free tea, coffee and mince pies, and The Belle Vue pub prepared mulled wine and a barbeque.

Pamela Pople, community development support worker at the Cliftonville Partnership, said: "The event was a great success and I was pleased not only with the turnout, but with the support of our local shops and businesses.

"I'm also very grateful to the Safer Stronger Communities Fund (SSCF) which provided around £1,800, and helped secure such fantastic entertainment for this year's event."

See this week's Thanet Extra for more pictures -- out on Wednesday December 16.