ODIHAM got the Christmas bauble rolling with the return of its annual Christmas Extravaganza.

As the clock ticked down until Santa comes down the chimney, residents celebrated with one of the most loved community events of the year.

Held in Odiham High Street, almost 7,000 residents flocked to the festive event to get into the Christmas spirit.

With a whole host of food, drink and craft stands on display, villagers filled their boots with delicious homemade and local produce, from mince pies and mulled wine to a whole host of other sweet and savoury delights.

There were stalls set up by businesses and school parent groups in the village offering a range of clothes and accessories, beauty products, Christmas decorations and hand crafted sweets and treats made by children and parents alike.

Offering those in attendance the chance to see the village from a different viewpoint was a number of fair ground rides, including a ferris wheel.

A number of smaller rides also featured for the youngsters, as well as a Rotary Club Christmas float featuring Santa’s sleigh and just two of his reindeer clan.

With lights draped over the entirety of High Street store fronts, Christmas spirit was in the air, with the recently erected Christmas tree standing proudly throughout.

Entertainment was provided by the Hook Eagle Morris Men and live band ‘Key Lime Pie’ later in the evening, with fake snow and saxophones to boot.

Following a busy afternoon of festivities in Yateley, MP Ranil Jayawardena made the dash over to Odiham to revel in the High Street’s extravagant celebrations.

He had the honour of turning on the Christmas lights and handing out the InOdiham prizes for the best shop windows, with Originals taking home the top prize for its ’Snow White” themed window. Odiham Dress Agency, a charity store in conjunction with All Saints Church run by volunteers, also took home a prize for their themed window.

Friends of Mayhill, the Mayhill Junior School parent group also had the pleasure of being able to provide the MP with his Christmas pudding.

Meanwhile, Odiham Parish Council chairman Jon Hale was delighted with the turn out at Saturday’s event as was looking forward to further celebrations in the village throughout the festive season.

“Odiham Extravaganza was another huge success and brilliantly organised by the volunteers at InOdiham.  

“For me the event has two objectives - bringing our community together to enjoy the start of the festive season and also attracting some extra seasonal shoppers to help support our High Street.

“With this year’s Extravaganza attended by thousands of people it was most certainly a success on both fronts.  

“We can now set our sights on our village Christmas Tree festival, Carols in the Bury and outdoor nativity - all taking place on December 17.”