DOZENS of families packed out a Hampshire village for a Christmas event.

The official start of the festive season in Fawley started with singing, a Princess parade and Santa’s grotto.

The event is now in its fifth year – but last year’s was cancelled due to lack of volunteers and funding.

This year there was a parade led by “Elsa” from hit animation film Frozen – with prizes for the best dressed handed out by the woman herself in her fairytale kingdom. Phoebe Cook won with her impressive crown and dress - while dozens of youngsters dressed to the theme of favourite story and film characters.

There were also steam engine rides, donkey rides, food, a show for the kids from a “crazy elf” and music from Calshot RNLI Crew Children’s Choir – who are getting ready for a big show in 2020.

Sing Now from cities along the south coast also got on stage to perform.

Chair of the committee Linda Corby said: “I think considering the weather this morning and this afternoon it’s a pretty good turn out.

“We usually get around 2,000 people.”

Forest Edge Studio Dance and The Tuba Libres were also on the line-up. The parade started from Fawley school.