The festive spirit is alive and well in Clutha, after the district enjoyed its biggest Christmas parade in recent memory on Saturday.
Families and friends packed Balclutha’s main street for the lunchtime parade and market, and were regaled with more than 35 seasonally decorated floats, tractors, trucks and classic cars from local clubs and community groups.
Clutha District Council event convener Lilly Paterson said she was delighted a little summer weather had also come to the party, following recent unpredictable conditions.
"It’s fantastic to see everyone out here today enjoying summer sunshine and catching up with friends and family.
"We’ve added a couple of things this year like Santa’s Grotto and more food, drink and market stalls than in previous years, and kids will be able to take a selfie with Santa at the end of the parade.
"It’s an opportunity to bring everyone together, which is especially important at Christmas, and you can see by the smiles on people’s faces they’re having a lovely time," she said.
Reflecting the district’s growing cultural diversity, the parade was a festival of noise and colour, as local Filipino and Samoan groups put on displays of traditional costume and dance.
Among the more unusual floats was a human-powered fire appliance.
Pulling the truck the length of Clyde St were 15 members of the Clutha District Youth Council Cactus youth programme.
The programme challenges young people with a range of physical and teamwork exercises designed to build confidence and resilience.
Other parade participants included businesses, pre-schools and community groups, and a range of local theatrical, dance, gymnastic and marching groups.
