With a final total still waiting in the wings, the preliminary figures for the Victorian Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (PHD) show over 28,000 visitors attended over 3 days, some 4,500 more than in 2008.
Robert Bruce, Managing Director of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard commented: “this has certainly been our best year in recent years!”
Apart from the commercial statistics, once again PHD''s Victorian Festival of Christmas, which ran from Friday 27th – Sunday 29th November, produced the superb atmosphere and the unique blend of shopping and entertainment which has become its hallmark. In particular, for 2009, there was a great array of entertainers: - on the streets, in Fagin''s Tavern, on stages throughout the site, in the attractions - the variety, zest and sheer joviality of their performances was better than ever and set the tone for the whole event.
“We had a lovely time drinking in the atmosphere which was fantastic, and you felt as if you had travelled back in time. There was great street entertainment” - Dawn
Staff from all the organisations involved, including event company REM, entered into the spirit of the event with a smile and enthusiasm despite the long hours and spells of bad weather.
“We had a great time - the weather didn''t put us off! There was so much to see and do. Congratulations on an enjoyable event. The absolute highlight for me was the Victorian Classroom. The "Teacher" was first class.” Neil Baldock
2009 also marked the first year of the Victorian Christmas Festival Tweet! via twitter.com/PompeyDockyard with many followers clicking through to the regular blogs from Event Organiser Terri Hall and tweeting about their experiences of the weekend:
@Luvvy65: had superb day at the Victorian Christmas Festival...authentic green father christmas & snow!!....love it
@alison5AU: Went to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard yesterday for Christmas event - cheered me up
The Victorian Festival of Christmas continues to go from strength to strength every year and is now a permanent fixture on the events calendar at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and booking is already open for 26th – 28th November 2010.
