THOUSANDS of revellers marked the start of the festive season in Hook at the village’s popular Christmas Cracker.

The annual event was held last Saturday and organisers estimate that more than 4,000 people attended during the evening.

Villagers and other visitors enjoyed performances from the Hook Eagle Morris Men, the Happy Feet dancing academy, and members of Basingstoke Academy of Dancing.

Station Road was partially closed throughout the event for the street performances, and Crossway car park hosted a 20ft ‘mega slide’ and other fairground rides.

Among the festive fans were Claire and Tony Sedgwick, who live in Hook and came along with their two children Tom, three, and Oliver, one.

“It’s great for the village, and really builds the community,” said Claire. “We know lots of people here who bring their kids. It helps mark the start of Christmas.”

Adding to the festive spirit were 24 Christmas market stalls selling cakes, crafts, and other festive goodies.

Bernice Wall, one of the events three organisers said the evening was an overwhelming success.

“It was fantastic,” said Bernice. “The weather was really with us. All of the organisers are very happy with how it went on the day. It definitely gets people into the Christmas spirit.

“The Cracker is one of the main events of the year and really starts December in the spirit of Christmas.”