SANTA is officially in town with the grand opening of Winterfest at the weekend.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s annual seasonal feast of fun kicked off at Clydebank Town Hall on Sunday with hundreds of people attending.

Santa is now going to be at the town hall every weekend, despite his busy schedule, while a series of events will fill other days of the week.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “More than 500 people attended the grand opening of Winterfest this year and we received very positive feedback from families who enjoyed their visit.

“Comments included a ‘great family fun day’, ‘arts and crafts were really cool’, ‘the grotto was magic’ and the ‘entertainment was brilliant’.

“Excited kids were delighted to see Santa and meet his reindeer. Children were kept entertained throughout the day with free arts and crafts and there was a special guest appearance from Paw Patrol’s Marshall.

“We have more exciting events to come throughout December including a Frozen singalong, life drawing classes, jewellery and pottery making classes and a showing of the classic film It’s A Wonderful Life.”

Clydebank MSP Gil Paterson said: “Winterfest is a wonderful opportunity for members of the public, especially children, to get out and about and celebrate the festive season.

“The programme looks fantastic, with arts, crafts, singing, films and even a pantomime, all in Clydebank Town Hall.

“I fully support WinterFest and would like to thank West Dunbartonshire Council for putting it on.

“It will help bring festive cheer and joy to Clydebank as Christmas rapidly approaches.”

The festival, which runs until December 16, includes “arty types” craft activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a “dram and a draw” tomorrow night from 7-9pm, and an introduction to jewellery and ceramics.

December 9 will have a showing of It’s A Wonderful Life, and the Frozen singalong will be on December 10.

The season ends with the Flint and Pitch Cabaret on December 15 and Hopscotch Theatre Company’s performance of The Wizard of Oz panto on December 16.

For more visit: west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/clydebank-town-hall/winterfest.