Wells-next-the-Sea Christmas Tide 2-3 Dec 2005 4.00pm onwards
Wells Christmas Tide Fri 2nd and Sat 3rd Dec 2005
What happened...


Was generally voted 'bigger and better' than 2004.

Highlights included the 6.00pm pass by the Quay by the Seaborne Santa, this year in a decorated water-sleigh towed by three green and red clad elves. Watched by around 700 people on Friday night and 2,000 on Saturday night. Altogether we estimate well over 3000 attended the Tide as a whole (up on last year).

Also up were best-dressed shop competition entries (over 20) - the winner was ENVY tanning studios.

Best lit boat prizes went to BLUCHER (fishing vessel owned by Robin Harris) and KIRKSPRAY (offshore sea angling and exploration vessel owned by John Aldiss).

The biggest excitement focused on a new even - the Golden Mussel Award cook-off on the Quay, sponsored for £1000 by Calor, and hosted by Chris Coubrough Master Chef of the Crown Hotel. Winners were (open) Peter Pattrick of Wells, Junior Abie Pigney of Wells, and Professional, Chef Melvin Bobbins of the Victoria and Holkham.

In future, the organisers hope to expand the cook-off to include more local seafood, perhaps with a competition involving locally caught crabs.

Friday and Saturday night saw a remarkable performance of twelve very professional acts by the talented children of Alderman Peel School, involving comedy routines, singing, dancing, music and juggling on the Buttlands. Many other acts followed - pictures soon if available (please send yours to Chris Rose mail@tochrisrose.idps.co.uk if you want them published on the site).

The Buttlands also played host to the Fairyland Trust Mongolian Yurt inside which Santa and the Fairy Queens were visited by around 300 children, who each received a present.

Special thanks go to Calor, Swire Shipping, GJL, Harbour Commissioners, Skiclub, RNLI, The Fleece, Woodfordes, Orchard Caravans, the Crown, Arthur Howells, Hunters Estate Agents and a host of volunteers, and over 50 businesses, for sponsorship and weeks of hard work putting the event on. Any proceeds raised will go to local good causes and charities.

  Click here for the full 'thank you' list