THE Hook Christmas Cracker lived up to its name as villagers flocked to enjoy the popular annual event that really gets the festive season started.

The Christmas Cracker is one of the highlights of the year for the village, and the 2014 event held last Saturday was no exception.

Shops and pubs welcomed visitors inside for food and drinks in the warm, while outside, a stage in Station Road was used as the focus of an entertainment programme put on by various local groups.

Street entertainers also kept the crowds amused along with a Christmas market and funfair rides.

Acts performing on the stage during the festivities included Hook Junior School Choir, Basingstoke Academy of Dancing, Loose Moose Theatre Arts and Happy Feet Dance Academy. The Hook Eagle Morris Men also performed at the event.

John Ellis, one of the members, said: “It was probably one of the best years we have had. We had a really nice night, the weather was lovely, and the last couple of years have been better organised. It was a great audience, and there was fabulous audience participation.”

The 63-year-old said the event was opened by characters from Frozen, adding: “There were also food stalls and craft stalls and Christmas gift stalls. It’s a really nice event. We have done it for many years and all the roads are shut. It’s something for the community.”

Hook Eagle Morris Men are looking for new members, for more information visit their website hookeagle.org.uk.