Real reindeer, The Salvation Army Band, A Handbag  of Harmonies and the Cambrian Queens were just  some of the attractions joining Father Christmas and  his elves at Chester Blue  Coat CE Primary School’s  first Christmas event in its  new school building.

The ‘Evening with Father  Christmas’ was organised  by the school’s Friends  group as a fundraiser for  new outdoor play equipment  at the school on Walpole  Street, in Chester.

Hundreds of families and  local residents thronged the  school on November 29 to  watch Santa and his  reindeer arrive and enjoy  performances by the Year 6  choir led by music teacher  Kate Higgins, in addition to  some of the city’s top musical groups.

Stalls included an International Food Stand, reflecting the school’s multi-national community, sell-out  chocolate and bottle  tombolas, a well-stocked  raffle, and crafts and decorations made by the Year 6  children as part of their  business enterprise project.

Top attraction for many  was storytime with Father  Christmas in his grotto, ably  assisted by his elves.

Friends of Chester Blue  Coat co-chairs Hannah Mabbutt and Rachel Nightingale  said: “We’re delighted with  how fantastically successful  the evening has been. It’s  been a lot of hard work and  we’d like to thank everyone  who has helped; planning,  donating prizes, or on the  night. We’ve managed to  raise over £1,500 for the  school, which is marvellous.”

Headteacher Vince O’Brien added: “It’s great to see  the school and wider community come together at an  event like this.”