PEMBROKE has enjoyed one of its most successful Christmas markets, with hundreds packing the castle and Main Street for the annual celebrations.

Pembroke Castle once again hosted its annual Christmas Market from Friday onwards, which has been a big hit since its launch in 2012.

This year the market offered over 60 stalls selling gifts, toys, local produce, clothing and jewellery, opening Friday morning, November 25, and ending on Sunday afternoon.

The highlight of the event will be the big arrival of Santa at 6.30pm on the Friday evening.

On Saturday and Sunday, Santa was also in his Pembroke Castle Grotto.

In addition to Santa and the best products that Pembrokeshire has to offer, the event featured musical entertainment from local school carol singers and musicians who performed in the marquee throughout the weekend.

To add to the magical atmosphere, the castle was once again illuminated at night.

Pembroke Mayor Dennis Evans, who accompanied Santa in his sleigh, said: “It was absolutely brilliant; we opened the market at 11am on Friday, with St Teilo’s School Choir, that went down very well.

“This year Father Christmas abseiled down the castle and carried on in the sleigh through town.

“This year we closed off Main Street; Main Street was just awash with people. I’ve spoken to people and they tell me that’s the most people ever seen for Father Christmas; and the weather helped.

“There was maybe 1,000 people, even maybe more; at one stage we were down by Brown’s Café on the sleigh and looking back it was awash, the whole of Main Street was full.”

This event was supported by Valero and Pembroke Town Council.