A Christmas community festival in Coulsdon has been given a fundraising boost by Croydon councillors.

Now in its third year, Yulefest is Coulsdon's annual festive party featuring market stalls, a funfair, Santa’s grotto, a live music stage, and the switch-on of the town centre's Christmas lights.

RELATED: Croydon Champions: Yulefest organizer Chris Thairs brings festive cheer to Coulsdon

This year's festival will take place on Saturday, December 5. And organiser Chris Thairs is breathing a little easier about his budgeting after the announcement of a £1,000 donation from Coulsdon councillors for the event.

Mr Thairs said: "We are very delighted that Coulsdon West councillors have donated £1,000 to pay for Coulsdon’s Christmas lights. With this very generous donation the lights have now been paid for and we are over the moon.

"It’s an amazing feeling when you are able to tick some major items off your ‘to do’ list. I would like to offer my sincere thanks for all concerned in making this happen for us and the community of Coulsdon."

Mr Thairs was recently nominated as a Croydon community champion for his work organising Yulefest.

The money has come out of Coulsdon councillor's "ward budgets", allocated to each member of the council to fund projects in their community.

Mario Creatura, councillor for Coulsdon West, said: "The Yulefest is a major event in the Coulsdon community calendar. Chris and the team of volunteers have done a superb job to get it off the ground which is why we were delighted to be able to use our ward budget to light up Coulsdon for the festive season."

Despite the £1,000 donation, Yulefest is still looking for sponsorship. Anyone wishing to donate should email Chris Thairs at info@yulefest.co.uk