MORE THAN two and a half thousand people attended the annual Risca Christmas Market and Light Parade over the weekend.

After last year’s last-minute cancellation, it was a welcome return for the Tredegar Park event, which pulled in a huge sway of people throughout Saturday.

Santa’s grotto took centre stage with more than a hundred children queuing up to see the man himself who was ferried in by his little helpers from the Tesco store nearby.

Organiser Dave Rees, chair of the Risca East and West Community Action Group, said: “It went really well, as a day it gives us an opportunity to be a real part of the wider community. To have so many people visit through the day was impressive and the reindeers were a real highlight.

“I’m particularly happy because it’s all about the community working together for the best of the community.”

Across the number of stalls at the event, children also had a chance to make their own lantern or receive one of the 'lightsabers' being handed out to take part in the parade around the edge of the park.

Led by the Cefn Hengoed Majestics Band and the Fifth Risca Scout group, the parade ran for just over half an hour from 4.45pm, finishing up with the big switch-on.

There were a range of activities on offer for children including a treasure hunt and a festive Reindeer farm as well as live music from the likes of The Voice star and Newport local Tobias Robertson.

Risca West councillor Phyllis Griffiths, said: “It was brilliant, the march around the park was a sight to behold. After last year’s cancellation, it was important to have good weather throughout the day, which we luckily got.

“The community really came together for the event and there were so many children enjoying the stalls.”