Hundreds of visitors enjoyed hours of festive fun with Lancashire Adult Learning and Nelson and Colne College on Saturday.

Seasonal spirit filled the air at the Festive Market as children had the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer Roger in his grotto at the free to enter event.

There was the opportunity to explore a wide range of stalls selling seasonal crafts and gifts, tuck into tasty festive fare at a winter food court and enjoy musical performances by the College staff choir throughout the day. Burnley FC mascot Bertie Bee even flew in for a quick pre-match visit before the Clarets took on Watford.

Lancashire Adult Learning put on a number of family learning activities such as Lego Robotics, arts and crafts and a green screen photo booth. There was also the opportunity to indulge in a variety of ‘have-a-go’ taster sessions for courses run by the Lancashire Adult Learning team, and these included a Taste of Italy and Spain where samples of traditional foods were available to taste.

Associate Principal of Lancashire Adult Learning Tracey Baron said: “It was fantastic to see so many visitors getting into the seasonal spirit at our Festive Market and engaging in the family learning activities and the ‘have a go’ taster sessions on offer which are always very popular.

“There was a great range of unique crafts and gifts available to buy on the many stalls and our staff choir put on a number of lovely, uplifting singing performances to add a musical note to the event.

“Santa and his reindeer Roger seemed to be the star attractions on the day, and it was a delight to see so many smiles upon the faces of children and parents. Thank you to everybody who came and supported the event.”

One of those families attending was Waqaus Ali with his daughter Sumayyah Waqaus, 7, and son Musa Waqaus, 5, from Nelson. He said: “I really enjoyed the Festive Market – it is a nice family event. We all think Lego Robotics is brilliant – it is a fantastic STEM activity and it really gets children thinking about problem solving.”

Louise McKendrey, from Bacup, attended the Festive Market with her daughter Beth, 2. She said: “I came along as my mum had a stall and it has been a good event. Beth has loved getting involved with the arts and crafts – I think she particularly liked all the glitter!”

Lancashire Adult Learning’s new course guide is out now, and is packed full of courses to help adults across Lancashire learn a new skill, enhance their social life, or develop their career prospects.

Lancashire Adult Learning delivers a huge range of planned provision across the Red Rose County, from Arts and Crafts to Humanities classes, Languages to Health and Wellbeing sessions and Employability courses.

For more information about LAL, contact 0333 003 1717 or visit www.lal.ac.uk

For more information about Nelson and Colne College contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk