A HORDE of biblical characters thronged a Hampshire village as it celebrated Christmas.

Fawley’s annual Christmas lights switch-on and festive fair featured the cast of the Nativity, Father Christmas, Ivo the Clown and Mickey Mouse.

Saturday’s event also included a torchlit parade starting from Fawley Infant School and led by the Romsey Old Cadets.

Members of All Saints’ Church performed a tableau of the Nativity story, and there were also performances from the Marchwood Military Wives Choir, Zumba Kids, Dancewise Studio, the Romsey Old Cadets Band and local singer Lucy Smith.

Father Christmas, Ivo the Clown and Mickey Mouse kept the village’s youngsters entertained, while its Christmas lights were also officially switched on.

Karen Hutton, from the Fawley Events Committee, said: “It was a really good event, and we are possibly thinking about some sort of musical festival next summer because all of the acts enjoyed performing so much.

“The cadets give us so much help and without them we could not do it.

“Thank you to everyone who helped to organise or sponsor the event.”