Christmas cracker

SCOTT HAMMOND/ The Marlborough Express

SANTA'S EARLY: From left, Tash Twidle, Glenn Kirby, Santa Claus and Katrina Lange are preparing for Thursday's Cracker Christmas Festival in Market Place.

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Santa Claus will take a break from the North Pole to attend Blenheim's Cracker Christmas Festival tomorrow.

Santa will have footprints leading to his makeshift cave in Queen's Market Mall, where he will be cooling down with a snow machine.

Marlborough 4 Fun chief executive officer Katrina Lange said the festival aimed to create a festive atmosphere in the town and giving the community an opportunity to celebrate Christmas together.

The second Cracker Christmas Festival will kick off at 5pm with several street performers, including stilt walkers, entertaining around town and most shops will stay open late.

Mrs Lange said there would be a scavenger hunt for children, snow machines, inflatables, face-painting, food and craft stalls in central Blenheim. She said at 7pm entertainers, including the Marlborough District Brass Band, girl band Avidiva and the Highly Flammable Fire Show, would be on stage in Market Place.

The event will finish with a fireworks display at 10pm.

Mrs Lange said the Marlborough District Council was partly funding the event.

Other support was coming from charitable trust grants and sponsorship from local businesses.