THOUSANDS of hardy Holloway souls dressed in woollies and thermals braved the freezing temperatures on Sunday to play their part in the Nag’s Head Christmas Extravaganza.

Part of Holloway Road was closed off to traffic as local community stars dazzled on stage, reindeer and fairground rides thrilled shoppers and Santa spread a little festive cheer when he switched on the Christmas lights.

Among the stars of the show were performers from the Angel Shed Theatre and Islington Arts Factory, while pupils from Grafton Primary school lit up the event with a lantern parade through the surrounding streets before singing carols on stage.

Nitsa Sergides, headteacher at Grafton, in Eburne Road, said: “It was an excellent opportunity for the community to get together and there were lots of lovely stalls for the children.

“The lantern parade in particular was well supported by the parents, and the children enjoyed the singing and the whole Christmas Extravaganza.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to the organisers.”

More than 1,000 mince pies were served and 40 litres of mulled wine warmed up freezing shoppers.

Joyce Pollaya, Nag’s Head Town Centre Manager, said: “We think about 5,000 or 6,000 people turned up, which was about the same as last year even though it was bitterly cold.

“It was great to have Santa switching on the lights. His reindeer were there so it was only apt he could come as well.”