Santa Claus knew Uckfield was the place to be tonight (December 6).
He was joined in town by families out to enjoy the festive spirit generated by Late Night Shopping.
Rain from earlier in the day moved away and skies cleared as the evening went on.
Most of the town’s shops were open into the evening, many serving Christmas treats to customers.
Magda Stone and Sam Hartley of Spa Therapy offering mince pies to passers-by.
They were supported by stalls and events to keep people entertained who were enjoying the yuletide atmosphere, including the squirrel mascot of the children’s hospice charity, Chestnut Tree House.
Thumbs up from the Chestnut Tree children’s hospice squirrel and two of his fans.
Santa was in Olives Yard, where he was being looked after by members of Uckfield Lions Club.
Uckfield Lions with Santa and his sleigh.
Holy Cross Church was again a magnet with crowds flocking to see the festival of Christmas trees which was bigger than ever this year with nearly 120 trees on display.
Holy Cross Church looking pretty for the Christmas tree festival.
The tree of Remembrance at the festival Christmas trees from the Royal British Legion. A notice with the tree stated that this year’s Poppy Appeal in the town presently stands at £13,260.
The area outside Uckfield Civic Centre was used as a performance space by Universal Dance.
Young members of Universal Dance dancing in the performance space outside Uckfield Civic Centre
Nearby, was a walk-through Nativity.
A shepherd signs the way from the High Street to the walk-through Nativity
At Bridge Cottage, there were stalls in the courtyard and inside the building and Uckfield Concert Brass played a lively selection of carols and popular Christmas music.
A glimpse of stalls inside Bridge Cottage.
Youngsters were able to inspect a fire appliance parked in the High Street and firefighters also staged a spectacular and quite frightening demonstration of the dangers of a cooking oil fire.
Two of the firefighters at late night shopping in Uckfield are crew manager Laraine Domm, and Ash Boutle.
Retained firefighters Jack Hopkins and Emma Bussey in front of a demonstration showing the dangers of a cooking oil fire.
There were two stages – one for a wide range of musical acts opposite Carvills and the other for Uckfield area school pupils opposite Hartfields.
Uckfield Town Mayor, Cllr Spike Mayhew, enjoying the music at one of the two performance stages.
Rotary club members fund-raising on the night.
Natalie Axford and Emma Bailey outside Something for Everyone.
Justine Aldridge and Anya Thompson at Paws n Claws.
Trevor Weeks and Ellie Langridge from East Sussex Wildlife Rescue.
The team at Josefina.
Did you spot this elf wearing her best outfit and admiring herself in a mirror?
Raising funds for Uckfield Foodbank while hosting arts and crafts stalls at Rowling Gorringe estate agents are, from the left: Jack Wade, Ainsley Steel, Stephanie Bennison, Mike Symons.
Sarah Bristow, one of the artists exhibiting at Uckfield Yoga Studio.
Dominic Patteson, with some of his work at Uckfield Yoga Studio.
More pictures from Holy Cross Christmas Tree Festival
Avril and Albert Maton in front of their Christmas tree which has a whole world beneath its roots.
The world created by Avril and Albert Maton below their Christmas tree.
