Saundersfoot rang in the festive season with The Coastal Christmas ‘Big Switch On’ taking place in the seaside village today (Friday, December 5).

The Hean Castle Estate’s Santa’s Sleigh made its way down The Strand, with the school elves helping Father Christmas load his sleigh with presents before arriving at the Sensory Garden to a warm village welcome.

Members of Saundersfoot Community Council led the countdown before officially switching on the Christmas lights at 5 pm, linking in with the rest of the festive lights around the village.

There were plenty of estive songs performed by pupils, and Christmas carols around the village tree, performed by the ladies of Côr y Môr - creating a magical festive atmosphere.

The RNLI’s Stormy Stan and New Year’s Day Swim stalwart Charlie Shivers both teamed up to celebrate the event.

To round off the weekend’s events, Saundersfoot Rotary Club will host its annual Elf Run on Sunday afternoon along The Strand, a fun, family-friendly event for all ages.

The senior citizens Christmas Party will be on Sunday, December 14. This community event is funded by Saundersfoot Community Council and Tenby and District Lions, and is avaible to all Saundersfoot residents free of charge of pensionable age living in the village.

To register your place or for more information, please contact The Regency Hall on 01834 811700.

It promises to be an unforgettable lead up to Christmas for the seaside village, and to add to that Saundersfoot Footlights are putting on their annual pantomime, and this year it is ‘Alice in Wonderland’ on until Saturday, December 5, at the Regency Hall.

Looking ahead to the New Year, preparations are already underway for the 40th Saundersfoot New Year’s Day Swim. As this marks the ‘Ruby’ anniversary, participants are encouraged to embrace the theme. Registration for the event is now open.

This is a great opportunity for brave swimmers to take the plunge and raise sponsorship for their chosen charity or local cause.

Please see the link for registration and information: www.saundersfoot.co.uk/nyds