IN PICTURES: Thousands enjoy 2023 Albany Christmas Festival and Pageant on perfect December evening

Thousands of people came together on York Street on Saturday to celebrate the holiday spirit at the Albany Christmas Festival and Pageant. The crowd in the CBD built from mid-afternoon as it enjoyed a range of markets, activities and food vendors. Anticipation levels grew for the festival’s pageant early in the evening as those among the crowd jostled for the best position to watch a variety of floats and groups parade up and down the street. Santa’s appearance was again a highlight, with the jolly red man arriving early to take part in family photos before taking part in the pageant himself. The winner of best float went to Pioneer Health Dental ahead of Albany Soapbox Club in second and The Village Childcare Services and Anglicare coming in third. The people’s choice award was won by Southern Edge Arts.