HAPPY BRIDMAS! FESTIVE FUN TAKES OVER BRIDLINGTON IN AUGUST
Hundreds of people, including those taking part in Driffield Trip Day, enjoyed a host of Christmas fun in Bridlington, at the height of the summer season.
Bridmas Day came to town on Wednesday (7th August), bringing Santa, elves, trees, mince pies and a panto star to the south beach and various seaside attractions.
The unseasonal event was held by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to show Bridlington was more than a summer destination, and there are many events and activities happening this winter for residents and visitors.
Even ITV show This Morning sent along presenter Will Best to report live on the festivities for the programme, watched by millions.
During the sunshine and heat, Christmas themed celebrations were held on the beach, inside Bridlinton Spa, at Sewerby Hall and Gardens, at South Cliff Holiday Park, at Bridlington Central Library and at East Riding Leisure Bridlington.
People also got to meet audience favourite Troy Harris, who is playing Muddles in this year’s Bridlington Spa pantomime, Jack And The Beanstalk, as he popped up through the day.
Council mascot ERYC the Bear made an appearance on the beach and at East Riding Leisure Bridlington.
Tickets are already on sale for Bridlington’s festive events including Sewerby Winter Woodland, the Spa pantomine, New Year’s Eve experience, Muddles Bingo, and the Santa Express land train.
South beach
On the beach, the council’s Active Coast team ran festive activities, Santa presented youngsters with beach ‘baubles’ (balls), there were trees, people dressed as elves, and a big Bridmas Hollywood-style sign.
Young members from Bridlington’s Collette Tyler School of Dance performed routines on the sand.
Land train
The Santa Express land train ran along the seafront throughout the day, blasting out Christmas classics.
Bridlington Spa
The Spa held a free showing of the Christmas film favourite Elf, created a grotto and served festive themed food.
South Cliff Holiday Park
Staff got into the spirit with decorations, and its newly opened The Edge Aerial Adventure rope attraction had a visit from Santa and Muddles, who surprised children with candy cane presents.
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
Staff wore costumes and served festive themed food.
Bridlington Central Library
Staff got members in the mood by holding Christmas storytime and craft sessions, among other activities.
East Riding Leisure Bridlington
Children enjoyed a free swimming session and mince pies were served in its cafe. Crackers were also hidden at all venues for lucky people with free tickets for the festive events.
Councillor Barbara Jefferson, the council’s cabinet member for heritage and coastal, said: “We hope residents and visitors had a great deal of fun, joining us for all the Bridmas events we put on throughout the day.
“This was something out of the ordinary and showed that, even on a lovely summer’s day, there is still so much happening in Bridlington at Christmas time and we want to encourage people to come back.”
