CHOBHAM came alive with the sounds and scenes of Christmas on Friday when families pitched up and villagers pitched in to make this year’s Extravaganza more spectacular than ever.

Businesses opened their doors until late, with complementary mince pies, mulled wine, cakes, sweets and treats up for grabs as visitors swept through the High Street sampling the wares on offer.

SINGING FROM THE SAME HYMN SHEET – Coworth Flexlands Independent Preparatory School choir led this year’s festival carol singing at the church

Santa welcomed children into his charming, cosy little grotto at What-Not’s store to hear their Christmas wishes.

Just outside, his live reindeer, Dasher and Rudolph, delighted everyone who passed by.

Chobham Country Market added Friday to their regular weekly Thursday slot in the Village Hall and set up seasonal stalls in St Lawrence Church Hall for the occasion.

DECKED OUT IN FESTIVE CHEER – the outside market, just off the High Street

Meanwhile, the outdoor Farmers’ Market opposite the church was also brimming with bargains and buzzing with buyers.

Princess Elsa, from the Disney film Frozen, enchanted young visitors at the Velvet Rooms hair salon, where the lead artist Claire Guest, from Fascinating Faces painted a glittering array of festive designs on guests while staff braided visitors’ hair with sparkles.

DISNEY PRINCESSES – Abigail Simpson and Milly Hayes with Frozen Princess Elsa at the Velvet Rooms

The bike shop staff gave out lollies, and Betty & Claude fashion boutique handed out Champagne and treats as people popped in to browse.

BROTHERS IN ARMS – Harry Eld, four, and Nicholas, five, visit Father Christmas in his cosy grotto

This year’s carols outside St Lawrence Church came from Coworth Flexlands Prep School choir, followed by energetic entertainment from the popular Chobham Morris Dancers.