THOUSANDS of people were treated to a huge range of family-friendly festive season activities at Keighley’s Cliffe Castle Museum over the weekend.

Christmas at the Castle yesterday (Dec 9) was organised by Bradford Council’s museums and parks service staff, backed by members of Cliffe Castle Support Group.

The support group volunteers spread Christmas cheer by showing children how to make old fashioned scented pomanders, helped by generous donation of the required oranges and cloves by Morrisons, Riddlesden Co-op, and Shan’s Supermarket.

Elaine Cooper, chairman of the group, said: “It’s been fabulous today, we’ve had so many people coming though, many more than we expected. And the good weather has helped.”

Learning manager Claire Ackroyd said: “The numbers we’ve had has been quite staggering. It’s been a beautiful day in Cliffe Castle Park with lots of families enjoying themselves.

“We had a Christmas event last year, and we’ve had Santa here before, but it has never been as popular as it has been this time.

“We’ve had a lot of support from people who are familiar with Cliffe Castle, but we’ve also had people attending who’d never even been to the museum before.”

The occasion, which benefited from a welcome break in the recent wet weather, featured a programme of live music and singing performed by children from Holy Family Catholic School Choir, Hurricane Blue, Silsden Town Band and the Crickmore Crewe band.

Visitors were introduced to the Bracewell Dragon mascot, alongside other Victorian era costumed characters including Cliffe Castle’s own Sir Henry Isaac Butterfield.

Youngsters had a rare opportunity to see a pair of real reindeer up close and there was an outdoor market on the lawn next to the restored glasshouse, selling goods such as jewellery, handmade Christmas decorations, clothes, preserves, craftwork and other gifts.

A Christmas grotto run by museum staff dressed as Santa, Mrs Claus and an elf proved very popular. It was visited by 160 children throughout the day, each of whom received a small gift.

The day also included facepainting, bees wax candle making, and a raffle.

Among those who attended was Bradford Lord Mayor Councillor Zafar Ali, who said: “This was a fantastic event and kids and grown-ups alike looked like they were getting into the Christmas spirit.

“I'm particularly happy that on speaking with visitors I learned that they'd travelled from far and wide to attend.

"Cliffe Castle Musuem and its park is truly becoming a destination for visitors outside of Keighley.

“We hope everyone who came had fun and will return soon to enjoy the wonderful collections and exhibits on show in the museum."