The loss of Santa's reindeers from this year's Barnet Christmas street party did not spoil the fun as more than 25,000 revellers joined in the season's festivities.
Reindeers Sasha and Twinkle were prevented from attending Sunday's event in Barnet High Street due to foot-and-mouth restrictions but organiser Usama Siddique, Barnet's McDonald's franchise owner, was delighted with the turnout.
He said: "We think we have had between 25,000 and 30,000 people coming through the High Street today. It is great to see so much community spirit, smiling faces and money being raised for different charities."
The street party, which is in its seventh year, aims to support as many as 32 of the borough's charities including The Starlight Appeal for Barnet Hospital, Barnet Homeless in Action and Leukaemia Research.
Parents and children from across Barnet were treated to fairground rides, face painting, dance display and even a Harry Potter look-a-like.
Anne Board, representing Barnet Gingerbread, a charity which supports single parents, said of the event: "This is our first year and it has been very successful. With the money we have raised we will be able to hold our Christmas party."
Heather White, 64, of Willow Drive, High Barnet, took her two grandchildren to the party. She said: "It is somewhere to bring the children and they love the rides. Everybody seems to be smiling and enjoying themselves but it is a shame the reindeer are not here."
Organisers McDonald's hope to raise £3,000 for Barnet Hospital's Starlight Appeal.
December 4, 2001 16:42
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