A LITTLE bit of bad weather never stops Father Christmas, and so it proved on Saturday when he joined Tenby's Christmas Festivities Committee and Tenby RNLI to launch the start of the town's festive season.

The day began with DJ Steve Briers spinning seasonal tunes in Tudor Square, before displays from the Kelly Williams School of Dance and the Seren School of Irish Dancing.

Although the weather prevented the Rotary Club of Tenby's 'bull run', there was still plenty to entertain the crowds, with music and singing from the Salvation Army band and the Friendship Club community choir; Connor Adams and Sam Skyrme, and a visit from Peppa Pig and George.

Town crier, Jim Cornwell, announced that the mayor of Tenby, Councillor Sue Lane and Sergeant-at-Mace, Denise Cousins, were setting off to Tenby lifeboat station to join the lifeboat crew as they launched to meet Father Christmas in the bay.

They then made their way to the RNLI inshore lifeboat and were escorted by Tenby Coastguard Search and Rescue team through the streets to greet crowds in Tudor Square.

After distributing sweets, donated by Tenby House Hotel, Father Christmas turned on the lights on the town Christmas tree in St Mary's Church grounds.

Tenby Fire Brigade then transported him and the mayoral party to the De Valence for a family night with Santa's Grotto and children's entertainer, Loopy Lou.

Tenby Christmas Festivities committee would like to thank everyone who helped with the event, particularly Tenby RNLI, Tenby Coastguard Search and Rescue team, Tenby Fire Brigade, Connor Adams, Sam Skyrme, The Salvation Army, Tenby Friendship Group, Steve Briers, Eric and Lesley of Tenby House Hotel, Seren School of Irish Dancing, Kelly Williams School of Dance, Marie and Liliana, PRE Electrics, G and I Roofing, St Mary’s Church, and the Tenby DVP Trust and their volunteers.

Saturday was just the start of the festive fun in the town, with Tenby Round Table

hosting their annual Senior Citizens' Christmas dinner in the De Valence on Wednesday before they get ready for the ever popular Santa Run through the streets of the town on Sunday.

The Christmas season wouldn’t be the same without the annual braving of the briny at the Boxing Day Swim from the North Beach on the 26th, while the De

Valence Pavilion will be hosting Welsh Wrestling on January 2, a professional touring pantomime company’s production of the classic family favourite Sleeping Beauty on January 3 and a screening of Incredibles 2 on January 5, to round off the season in style.